ASHEBORO — Multiple sources have confirmed that Sheriff Greg Seabolt will not be charged with a crime after a summer-long investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation stemming from allegations that Seabolt used a county vehicle to aid his campaign.
According to media reports in May, the SBI opened an investigation of Seabolt on May 5 following complaints that he had used a county-issued SUV for his political campaign. One of the complaints was filed by Eric Hicks, a former Libertarian candidate for sheriff, who shared photos of an SUV parked at the Sheriff’s Office with an trailer attached. The trailer had an upside-down Seabolt campaign sign strapped to the back.
In an interview with the High Point Enterprise in May, Seabolt called the situation a misunderstanding and said the signs were damaged and were “taken to a dump where they were destroyed.”
Following the complaints, Randolph County District Attorney Andrew Gregson referred the case to Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill. Out-of-county referrals are common when elected officials are investigated to due potential conflicts of interest.
North State Journal sources have confirmed that O’Neill’s determination is that the allegations did not merit criminal charges.
Seabolt is expected to hold a press conference at the County Building on Friday, Sept. 10 at 2pm to discuss the investigation and the findings.
