James E. Yokeley, Jr. was the Surry County Board of Elections Chair, a Republican appointed by State Auditor Steve Boliek. He resigned after his arrest for spiking his granddaughter and her friend’s ice cream with MDMA and cocaine.
The girls found the pills in their Dairy Queen Blizzards. His step-granddaughter was driving and saw an EMS vehicle, pulled over, and explained they were afraid they had been drugged. Review of video from the Dairy Queen led them to believe that it way Yokeley who put the drugs in the ice cream when he was purchasing them.
He was arrested, charged with child abuse and contaminating food or drinks with a controlled substance. Bail was set at $100,000 which he posted immediately.
- WHQR: WPD provides updates on elections official charged with attempting to drug his step-granddaughter and her friend
- FOX 11: Grandfather charged with felony child abuse, ‘drugging’ ice cream with pills
August 30, 2025
