The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has received another report of a scam involving parking and toll violations. The scammers are attempting to get victims to scan a QR code to settle unpaid fees. Though this document looks official, it is yet another attempt to scam you out of your hard earned money. Don't take the bait. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.

March 16, 2026 at 08:55 Here is the latest update from the US National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC The threat for severe thunderstorms continues today, March 16. This has the potential to be a significant severe weather event. In addition, we have expanded the wind advisory further west for gusty south winds of up to 45-50 mph this afternoon to early evening. Key Messages • Enhanced (Level 3 of 5) risk of severe thunderstorms, with the risk increasing to Moder

Sheriff Scott Hammonds, Lieutenant Waters, K9 Athos, and Corporal Davis had a great time attending Career Day at P. S. Jones Middle School! Students had the opportunity to learn more about careers in law enforcement and the many specialized units within the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office. Deputies spoke about K9 operations, highlighting how K9 Athos assists deputies with tracking, narcotics detection, and protecting both deputies and the community. Students were also introd

On March 9, 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing 36-year-old intellectually disabled endangered female resident of Beaufort County. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation and quickly developed information regarding the circumstances surrounding the individual’s disappearance. Detectives began tracking the victim’s cellphone and quickly determined the victim was traveling west through Minnesota. Working collaboratively with law

Today, Corporal Davis spent the day with students at Eastern Elementary School, sharing information about the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Drone Program. The students had the opportunity to learn how drones help our deputies with public safety, search operations, and protecting our community. We always enjoy opportunities like this to connect with our youth and show them how law enforcement works to keep everyone safe. Building positive relationships with the next genera

Lieutenant Waters and K-9 Athos spent the day with the students at Chocowinity Primary School.  The children learned about the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office Drone program and K-9 Team.  We are always excited to interact with our youth in a positive way!

Today Beaufort County took another step in the right direction in providing assistance to women in need. Open Door Women's Shelter celebrated the opening of their new addition with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new section adds 3,000 square feet to the facility and a total of 25 beds. This includes two, two-bedroom dormitories for families, and 11 beds and lockers for single women. This facility will help both single women and women with children who are unhoused. Sheriff

No student should have to choose between having their period and going to school. Thanks to our collaboration with United Way Inner Banks , we were able to prep and distribute Flow Kits for Hyde County Public School System & Beaufort County Schools, NC! It was a full community effort, with support from the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, NC, to make the delivery! #DignityforAll #PeriodPovertyAwareness #PeriodPowerNC #DiaperOnLCF Support the Period Power Program: https://www

A coordinated two-month investigation led by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and K-9 team, in partnership with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Greenville Police Department (GPD), has resulted in the disruption of a significant fentanyl and cocaine distribution network operating in Beaufort and Pitt counties. On February 13, 2026, investigators executed search warrants at two locations — one in Washington, North Carolina, and a rel

Since 2022, the number of reported opioid/fentanyl overdoses has dropped by 77 percent . This huge reduction can be attributed to focused enforcement on fentanyl dealers and enhanced partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. In addition, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has partnered with local nonprofits and community outreach groups to provide and promote education on the dangers of fentanyl. Through our partnership with Beaufort County Crim

On February 11, 2026, Patrol Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the Chocowinity Area. During their investigation, K9 Athos was deployed and detected the presence of narcotics. The driver, identified as 28-year-old Raimelle Andres’ Peterson, was detained for a probable cause search of the vehicle. Drugs and a handgun were found during the subsequent search, and Peterson was placed under arrest. Peterson attempted to dispose of concea

On February 1, 2026, Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire near the intersection of NC Highway 99 South and Marslender Road in Belhaven. The structure was uninhabited and completely burned, leaving only a brick foundation and metal roofing material. The fire was deemed suspicious, and Detectives responded to process the scene. During the investigation, Deputies discovered footprints in the snow near the scene. Additionally, seve

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has received several questions and requests for information regarding an Animal Neglect and Abuse case that was reported in 2024. On September 10, 2024, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a property, located off Sidney Rd. in Belhaven, to assist Beaufort County Animal Control with an Animal Cruelty investigation. Beaufort County Animal Control responded to the property after receiving a report from a concerned resident regar

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, an employee of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported seeing a social media post alleging they were involved in animal neglect. Upon the employee self-reporting the allegations made against them, an investigation was initiated immediately, and the employee was placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. The incident allegedly occurred in Pitt County where the employee resides. Sheriff Scott Hammonds notif