Chocowinity Couple Arrested on Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

On June 22, 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible animal remains discovered while the Chocowinity Fire Department was extinguishing a brush fire at a residential property on U.S. Highway 17 South in Chocowinity.

Deputies responded to the scene along with Beaufort County Animal Services. After speaking with individuals at the property and examining the remains, the bones were determined to be from an Alpaca that was previously deceased on the property.

While on scene, horses were observed that appeared to be in poor condition, severely underweight, and suffering from significant medical issues. It was also found that the animals did not have sufficient food or water. Beaufort County Animal Services arranged for an equine veterinarian to respond to the location to evaluate two of the horses. Based on the veterinarian’s assessment and the animals’ serious medical conditions and overall poor health, both horses were euthanized at the scene.

On July 8, 2026, Detectives with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office obtained arrest warrants for 40-Year-Old Igor Palyvoda of Chocowinity, NC, and 49-Year-Old Jaime Blair Palyvoda of Chocowinity, NC. Igor Palyvoda and Jaime Palyvoda were both charged with the following charges:

• Two counts of Felony Animal Cruelty

On July 13, 2026, Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrested Igor Palyvoda and Jaime Palyvoda. Igor Palyvoda was issued a $3,000 secured bond, and Jaime Palyvoda was issued a $3,000 unsecured bond. Both were processed at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

Sheriff Hammonds encourages anyone with knowledge of cruelty or neglect of our Animal, Children or Elderly populations to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip by downloading the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office App and selecting Submit A Tip.