The Housing Authority Meeting of March 16, 2026 Has Been Rescheduled to March 23, 2026 at 5pm in the Pratt Building and The Hoke County Commissioners' Meeting of March 16, 2026 Has Been Rescheduled to March 23, 2026 at 7pm in the Pratt Building.
The Hoke County America 250 NC Pageant Interest Meeting for the Carolina Unity Crown. Meetings will be held March 14 and April 11 at 6:30 PM at the Hoke County Public Library. The flyer below includes a QR code directing users to additional information about participation in the pageant.
Cumberland and Hoke Counties invite residents to review and provide feedback on the draft Cumberland-Hoke Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a long-range strategy designed to reduce risks from natural disasters and strengthen community resilience.
The plan outlines actions to help protect people, property and infrastructure from natural disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, severe storms, wildfires and winter weather. Public input plays an important role in shaping the final plan and ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of the communities it serves.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and share feedback by March 13.
Raeford, NC - The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office on March 12, 2026, members of the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic/Vice Suppression Unit (NVSU) served a narcotic search warrant in the 200 block of Oaktree Drive Raeford, North Carolina 28376.
The search warrant was obtained after the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction went to check on Mr. Victor M. Velarde, who was on active probation for a drug conviction from charges taken out by the NVSU in 2024. During the check, Mr. Velarde was found at his house and probation officers discovered items of drug paraphernalia, in plain view. There was also a strong odor of marijuana coming from the home.
Detectives with NVSU then conducted a seize and freeze on the residence and obtained a search warrant. During the search detectives located approximately 5.6 pounds of marijuana, four firearms, over $2900.00 in US currency, and assorted items of paraphernalia including scales and drug packaging material.
Mr. Velarde was placed under arrest and transported to the Hoke County Detention Center. Mr. Velarde was charged with four counts of possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver a schedule VI-controlled substance (marijuana), felony maintaining a dwelling for the sell/delivery of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mr. Velarde was taken before the magistrate and held on no bond, due to being on active probation. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the NC Department of Adult Correction for their assistance with this investigation.
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.
Raeford, NC - The Hoke County Sheriff's Office announced on December 4th, 2025, deputies responded to Cape Fear Valley Hoke in reference to an unresponsive child that was brought into the emergency department. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by medical staff, the child was pronounced deceased. The child’s next of kin was notified.
The incident was immediately reported to law enforcement, and detectives responded to initiate a death investigation. On Friday, December 5, 2025, at approximately 7:34 p.m., Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division conducted a search warrant and arrest warrant at 1568 Clan Campbell Road in reference to a child’s death investigation. Hoke County Sheriff’s Office K9, Special Operations, and Narcotics/Vice Suppression Unit assisted with the search warrant. Hoke County Sheriff’s Office located firearms and narcotics during the search. Mr. Allen M. Carter and Ms. Bridget M. Leach were detained without incident, and no one was injured during the search warrant. Mr. Allen Carter was seen before a magistrate for the following criminal charges: Possession Schedule I CS(Fx1), Obstructing Justice (Fx1), Possession Firearm by Felon (Fx2), PWIMSD Schedule VI CS (Fx2), Maintaining Dwelling/Place CS (Fx1), Possess drug Paraphernalia (Mx1), RDO (Mx1), and Maintain Vehicle CS (Mx1). Mr. Allen Carter received a $200,000.00 secured bond, given by the magistrate. Ms. Bridget Leach was charged with PWIMSD Schedule VI CS (Fx2), Possess Drug Paraphernalia (Mx1), and given a $20,000.00 secured bond. The investigation was still ongoing.
On March 9, 2026, the investigation and review of the case for charging purposes were conducted by the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Hoke County Narcotics/Vice Suppression Unit (NVSU) and the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office.
Mr. Carter was charged in addition with 2nd Degree Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter, Exposing a Child to a Controlled Substance, and Felony Child Abuse. Mr. Carter was seen before the Hoke County Magistrate for the new charges and was denied bond. At his first appearance, Mr. Carter was given a $1,000,000 bond. Detectives are still actively working on the case. If you have any further information regarding this case, please contact Detective Glass at (910)875-5111.
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.
Raeford, NC -The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announces on March 3, 2026, detectives with the NVSU/Criminal Interdiction Team (C.I.T.) attempted to conduct a traffic stop for fictitious registration on a vehicle traveling on Laurinburg Road near the ABC store in Raeford.
The vehicle failed to stop for law enforcement and vehicle pursuit occurred which ended in Maxton, North Carolina. The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle, a Ford 500, went down a dirt road and got stuck in the woods. Two suspects fled on foot and two suspects were detained.
During the course of the investigation, CIT Detectives were able to identify the driver as Mr. Gene Selton Fulmer of Maxton, North Carolina. The vehicle was towed and held so that a search warrant could be obtained.
On March 4, 2026, CIT detectives obtained a search warrant for the car. As a result of that search, several items of assorted drug paraphernalia including spoons, and baggies with white residue was located.
Arrest warrants were then obtained for Mr. Fulmer in reference to felony fleeing to elude with a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia. At this time, Mr. Fulmer is not in custody, and the investigation is still on-going. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Fulmer, please contact Hoke County Sheriff’s Office at (910)875-5111 or call 911 to report to Hoke County Emergency Communications.
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.