The Dare County Sheriff's Office is proud to protect and serve its community, citizens and visitors. Since 1870, Dare County Deputies have been doing their part to help make our community on the Outer Banks, Roanoke Island and the mainland of Dare County a better place to live, work and visit. With a current staff of 147 Deputies and support personnel, the Dare County Sheriff's Office is a full-service law enforcement agency working within various divisions. We also run a great Summer Camp for our youth.
"Serving with Integrity, Honor and Commitment"

Sheriff's Office News:

Press Release January 29, 2026 (2)

Post Date:01/29/2026 3:14 PM
  • Contact Chief Deputy Jeff Deringer
  • Email jsd@darenc.gov
  • Phone(252)475-5980

Banner image which reads Dare County Sheriff's Office Sheriff J.D. "Doug" Doughtie Press Release

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Deputies from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle in Manns Harbor on U. S. Highway 64 for a traffic violation.

A Sheriff’s Office K-9 alerted on the vehicle, after which a search was conducted that resulted in the discovery of a felony amount of cocaine, a controlled substance, and drug paraphernalia.

Jerry S. Bryant, M/66, from Engelhard, NC, was arrested and charged with:

Felony Possession of Cocaine
Felony Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance
Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Bryant has been issued a $5,000 secured bond related to these charges.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to upholding public safety and encourages anyone with information about criminal activity to contact local law enforcement.

For more information on press releases, please contact Chief Deputy Jeff Deringer at (252)475-5980.

For tips, contact the Sheriff’s Office or Dare County Communications Center at (252)473-3444.

Bryant, Jerry
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