[Photo: Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Newton shakes hands with Hoke County Coroner Frank Crumpler.]

By Catharin Shepard • Staff writer • Hoke County Coroner Frank Crumpler will assume the duties of sheriff until the county commissioners meet the first week in November to appoint an interim to serve out the rest of Sheriff Dr. Hubert Peterkin’s term.

The commissioners met in emergency session Monday to discuss the situation. Out of respect for the late Sheriff Peterkin, the board chose to wait until after Peterkin’s funeral, which is scheduled for Friday, to vote on who will serve out the rest of his term.

Under state statute, Crumpler, believed to be the longest serving elected official still in office, was next in line to assume the duties of sheriff.

The North Carolina state legislature ended the practice of having county coroners, but Crumpler is still serving the remainder of his final term and is Hoke’s coroner until the term expires in 2022. Only four counties in the state still have a county coroner.

Crumpler said Monday he wants to do everything he can to make sure Peterkin’s wishes for the office are carried out.

Based on discussion at the meeting Monday, the commissioners plan to appoint Chief Deputy David Newton as interim sheriff. Newton is handling operations at the sheriff’s office in the wake of Peterkin’s passing.

See the story in Wednesday’s issue of The News-Journal for more information.