Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest

On May 11, 2026, Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, along with Detectives from the Washington Police Department, arrested 57-year-old Thaddeus Maurice Wallace and 72-year-old Clarence Earl Pierce of Washington, NC, on multiple drug charges.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of Wallace in Washington, NC. As a result of these enforcement actions, Investigators seized over ½ ounce of crack cocaine.

Thaddeus Maurice Wallace was arrested and held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bond for the following charges:

- One count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine

Clarence Earl Pierce was arrested and held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bond for the following charges:

- One count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine

Sheriff Scott Hammonds emphasizes that cooperation between local agencies remains critical in identifying, investigating, and dismantling drug trafficking networks. This investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming.

Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information regarding suspected drug sale/use or any other crime 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 confidential tips online at www.p3tips.com/195. Crime Stoppers only wants your information, not your name.