Raeford, N.C. – The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced that on Thursday, December 4, 2025, an unresponsive child was brought to a local hospital. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by medical staff, the child was pronounced deceased. The next of kin was notified. The incident was immediately reported to law enforcement, and detectives responded to initiate a death investigation.
As part of the investigation, multiple agencies and specialized personnel were involved, including detectives, supervisors, and medical officials. The scene was secured, relevant evidence was collected, and appropriate notifications were made, including contact with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner A post-mortem examination is pending to determine the official cause and manner of death.
During the investigation, detectives identified additional information that resulted in the Criminal Investigation Division conducting a search warrant at 1568 Clan Campbell Road in reference to a child’s death investigation on Friday, December 5, 2025, at approximately 7:34 p.m. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office K9, Special Operations, and Narcotics/Vice Suppression Unit assisted with the search warrant. Deputies located firearms and narcotics during the search.
Mr. Allen M. Carter and Ms. Bridget M. Leach, who were both acquaintances and of non-relation to the child in the home, were both detained without incident, and no one was injured during the search warrant.
The matter remains under active investigation and will be handled in accordance with applicable state law. The child’s death remains under active investigation. Additional charges may be pursued as the investigation progresses, pending further review of evidence and results from the medical examination.
Mr. Allen Carter was charged on December 6, 2025 with the following: Possession Schedule I CS (Felony x 1 count), Obstructing Justice (Felony x 1 count), Possession Firearm by Felon (Felony x 2 count), PWIMSD(Possession With Intent To Manufacture-Sell-Deliver) Schedule VI Controlled Substance (Felony x 1 count), PWIMSD (Possession With Intent To Manufacture-Sell-Deliver) Schedule I Controlled Substance (Felony x 1 count), Maintain Dwelling Place Controlled Substance (Felony x 1 count), Possession Drug Paraphernalia (M x 1 count), RDO - Resisting, Delaying or Destructing (Misdemeanor x 1 count) and Maintain Vehicle Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor x 1 count) and was placed on a $250,000.00 secured bond given by the magistrate.
Ms. Bridget Leach was charged on December 6, 2025 with the following: PWIMSD Possession With Intent To Manufacture-Sell-Deliver)Schedule VI Controlled Substance (Felony x1 count), Possession With Intent To Manufacture-Sell-Deliver Schedule I Controlled Substance (Felony x 1 count), Maintain Dwelling/Place Controlled Substance (Felony x1 count), Possession Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor x1 count) and was placed on a $20,000.00 secured bond given by the magistrate. The investigation is on-going at this time.
During an investigation, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring that accurate and verified information is released to the public. Our goal is to provide transparency while avoiding the release of premature or misleading details that could interfere with the integrity of the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we continue to ensure that no misinformation is disseminated.
If you have any further information regarding this case, please contact Detective J. Glass at (910)875-5111.