Former New Hanover County deputy charged with second-degree sexual offense

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A former New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been charged following an investigation into a reported sexual assault involving two people who were in a domestic relationship at the time, according to the Southport Police Department.

Timothy Reed Spell of Southport was arrested Aug. 26, 2026, and charged with second-degree sexual offense under North Carolina General Statute 14-27.5(A).

Police said the investigation began after the victim reported an incident that occurred at a Southport residence on April 6, 2025.

During the investigation, the detective conducted interviews and reviewed information and evidence provided by the victim, according to the Southport Police Department.

Spell previously served as a deputy with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. According to a 2017 WWAY report, Spell was a member of the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team and competed in an excellence-in-competition pistol match at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, where he placed second.

Detective Riley K. Ransom Jr. is investigating the current case.

The Southport Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and that no further comment will be provided at this time.