GrahamCountySheriff

District Attorney Ashley Welch departs from the witness stand after questioning Brad Hoxit about the contents of a three-ring binder at a hearing to determine the permanent removal of Hoxit as Graham County Sheriff on March 27. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

District Attorney Ashley Welch departs from the witness stand after questioning Brad Hoxit about the contents of a three-ring binder at a hearing to determine the permanent removal of Hoxit as Graham County Sheriff on March 27. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Hoxit removed from office

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 9, 2026
After deliberating for just over a week, Special Superior Court Judge William T. Stetzer ordered Monday that Brad Hoxit be removed from the office of Graham County Sheriff.
Suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit testifies during Friday’s portion of a hearing regarding his permanent removal from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit testifies during Friday’s portion of a hearing regarding his permanent removal from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Hoxit hearing ends

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Robbinsville – A precedent-setting hearing regarding the permanent removal of suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit wrapped up Friday afternoon – though a decision could take up to two weeks to be rendered. After hearing closing arguments, District 38 Special Superior Court Judge William T.
District Attorney Ashley Welch (right) questions North Carolina Department of Insurance Special Agent Jasmine Hanline (left, in witness box) during Tuesday's session of a hearing regarding the removal of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

District Attorney Ashley Welch (right) questions North Carolina Department of Insurance Special Agent Jasmine Hanline (left, in witness box) during Tuesday's session of a hearing regarding the removal of Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Sheriff removal hearing begins

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Robbinsville – Tuesday marked the beginning of what is estimated to be a four-day hearing regarding the permanent removal of suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit from office.

Judge's order violated, says new filing

Kevin Hensley
Monday, March 9, 2026
Robbinsville – District Attorney Ashley Welch has filed a second amendment to her petition to have suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit removed from office, which includes an allegation that Hoxit violated an order handed down at Feb. 20's pre-trial motion hearing.
Judge William T. Stetzer listens as District Attorney Ashley Welch presents an argument on behalf of the prosecution during Friday's pre-trial motion hearing in State of North Carolina v. Harold Bradford Hoxit. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Judge William T. Stetzer listens as District Attorney Ashley Welch presents an argument on behalf of the prosecution during Friday's pre-trial motion hearing in State of North Carolina v. Harold Bradford Hoxit. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Pre-trial motions denied in Hoxit case

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Robbinsville – Though a motion for continuance was granted Feb. 16, that’s the only win thus far for the defensive team hired by suspended Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit. Motions filed by Asheville-based Lindsay Law – the firm representing Hoxit in State of North Carolina v.

Sheriff candidates share viewpoints at GOP forum

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 19, 2026
* Part 1 of a 2-part report Robbinsville – The Graham Star’s Republican Primary Candidate Forum on Feb. 7 served as a vehicle to best introduce voters to the individuals who are on the March ballot for the local commissioner and sheriff races.
Commission candidate Dale Wiggins (left) delivers his closing statement at Saturday’s forum. Sitting alongside Wiggins are candidates Brian “Taco” Johnson (center) and Carolyn Stewart. Stills courtesy of The Graham Star's YouTube

Commission candidate Dale Wiggins (left) delivers his closing statement at Saturday’s forum. Sitting alongside Wiggins are candidates Brian “Taco” Johnson (center) and Carolyn Stewart. Stills courtesy of The Graham Star's YouTube

Primary candidates share views at forum

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Sheriff candidate Mitch Millsaps answers a question during Saturday's forum. Candidate Terry Grey is seated next to Millsaps, waiting to answer the same question.

Allen promises to be accountable to community

Kevin Hensley
Friday, November 14, 2025
In his second bid for sheriff, county native Leon Allen is building a campaign based around his strong belief in God and his passion for the community. "This county is my home," reads a portion of Allen's candidacy announcement.