North Carolina judge removes Graham County sheriff for 'willful misconduct'

Sheriff Brad Hoxit ordered out of office after investigation found multiple acts of dishonesty and misuse of public resources.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a slightly tarnished sheriff's badge against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the tarnished reputation and removal from office of the former sheriff.The removal of an elected sheriff for 'willful misconduct' is a rare and serious action that underscores the gravity of the judge's findings.Graham Today

A North Carolina judge has ordered the removal of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office, citing evidence that he engaged in 'willful misconduct' including multiple acts of dishonesty during an investigation and the misuse of public resources that undermined public confidence in law enforcement.

Why it matters

The removal of an elected sheriff is a rare and serious action, underscoring the gravity of the judge's findings that Hoxit violated the public trust through dishonest and improper conduct while in office.

The details

According to the judge's order, an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation found that Sheriff Hoxit committed multiple acts of dishonesty and misused public resources in a manner that eroded confidence in the county's law enforcement. District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch had initially called for Hoxit's removal from office.

  • The judge's order of removal was issued on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Brad Hoxit

The former Graham County Sheriff who was removed from office by a judge due to findings of 'willful misconduct' in office.

Ashley Hornsby Welch

The District Attorney who initially called for Sheriff Hoxit's removal from office.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The removal of an elected sheriff is a rare and serious action that underscores the gravity of the judge's findings that Hoxit violated the public trust through dishonest and improper conduct while in office, eroding confidence in the county's law enforcement.