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 February 27, 2026

Post Date:02/27/2026 2:17 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 February 26, 2026, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office assisted North Carolina Probation with a probation search in the Wanchese area. The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of a felony amount of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

Amanda J. Wells, F/39, of Wanchese, NC, was arrested and charged with:

  • Felony Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance
  • Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
  • (M) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Wells was issued a $50,000 secured bond on these charges and an additional $75,000 secured bond for a probation violation. Wells also received additional charges related to:

  • Felony Conspire Traffic Opium/Heroin
  • Felony PWIMSD (Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver) Methamphetamine
  • Felony Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances
  • Felony Sell/Deliver Fentanyl
  • Felony Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance
  • Felony PWIMSD (Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver) Fentanyl

Wells was issued a total secured bond of $275,000.

Raymond V. Thomas Jr., M/46, of Wanchese, NC, was arrested and charged with:

  • (M) Simple Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
  • (M) Simple Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
  • (M) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Thomas was issued a $10,000 secured bond on these charges and an additional $50,000 secured bond for a probation violation. Thomas also received additional charges related to:

  • Felony Conspire Traffic Opium/Heroin
  • Felony PWIMSD (Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver) Methamphetamine
  • Felony Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances

Thomas was issued a total secured bond of $135,000.

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.

 Wells, Amanda
Thomas, Raymond
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