SOUTHPORT — Southport Police Department filed charges on a former New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputy following an investigation regarding sexual assault.
Timothy Reed Spell of Southport has been charged with second degree sexual offense, a felony for engaging in a non-consensual sexual act by force or with an incapacitated person.
The charges came after Southport law enforcement investigated a report made in April 2025 from the victim, whose name is being withheld. Spell and the victim were in a relationship.
Interviews and evidence provided by the victim were taken into account before charges were brought forth. The police arrested Spell on Wednesday, Aug. 26, the same day he resigned from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
Spell began working for NHCSO in 2013, according to employment records. He held varied positions, including detention officer and patrol deputy. He resigned from the force in 2018 before returning the following year and was promoted to master deputy in 2023.
The investigation is ongoing and Spell is being held under a $150,000 secured bond. Should he be released, he will be monitored electronically and cannot have contact with the victim.
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