James Edwin Yokeley Jr. resigned Thursday as chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections after he was accused of drugging his granddaughters’ ice cream with narcotics.

Yokeley, 66, submitted his resignation letter to State Auditor Dave Boliek. Yokeley's resignation was effective immediately.

"This decision has not made lightly," Yokeley wrote. "After much prayer, thoughtful reflection and consultation, I have concluded that it's in the best interest of the State Board of Elections and Surry County Board of Elections, regarding my own falsely accused circumstances, to step down at this time."

Yokeley wrote that he "will be exonerated of all accusations levied against me."

Yokeley has been a member of the Surry County elections board since July 2023.

Yokeley flagged down a police of

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