Former New Hanover County deputy arrested for sexual offense

Timothy Reed Spell, a former deputy with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, has been arrested and charged with second-degree sexual offense. The felony charge follows an investigation by the Southport Police Department into a report made in April 2025 regarding a non-consensual sexual act involving a victim with whom Spell was in a relationship.

Spell resigned from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office on August 26, the same day of his arrest. His career with the agency began in 2013, and he most recently held the rank of master deputy. He is currently being held under a $150,000 secured bond. If released, he will be subject to electronic monitoring and prohibited from contacting the victim.