On May 2, 2026, Wadesboro Mayor Pro Tem Garrett Kyle Snuggs was arrested after court papers say he threatened a law enforcement officer with a line that has been echoing around town: "I would slap you, but you are the police."
Snuggs, 46, is facing a misdemeanor charge of communicating threats and is set to appear in Anson County District Court on May 22, 2026. The arrest has quickly turned into the latest test of small-town leadership as residents wait to see what happens in court and at town hall.
According to court documents cited in local reporting, the arrest warrant quotes the alleged remark to the officer and led to the communicating threats charge. WCNC reports the warrant was issued May 2 and specifically includes the alleged threat.
Records also show that another person, Jerica Willoughby, was arrested the same day on suspicion of making multiple harassing phone calls to Snuggs, with court filings indicating the two were in a relationship. Queen City News reports that the calls allegedly included accusations of criminal conduct and that both Snuggs and Willoughby were booked into the Anson County Jail.
Local role and past run-ins
Snuggs serves on Wadesboro's town council and was appointed mayor pro tem, putting him second in line at town hall. He also owns small local businesses and has been a visible presence in town government.
Court records reviewed by WBTV show a history of domestic-violence-related charges involving Snuggs over the past two decades. Those records also note a December Alcohol Law Enforcement inquiry tied to a business office linked to him.
What the charge means
Under North Carolina law, a person commits "communicating threats" when they willfully threaten to physically injure another person in a way that a reasonable person would believe is likely to be carried out. The offense is generally charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with potential fines or jail time depending on the circumstances, as set out in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-277.1.
What happens next
Snuggs is scheduled to appear in Anson County District Court on May 22, 2026, according to court filings. Local reporting from Queen City News notes that he had an initial appearance and was given a $500 secured bond, which has since been posted.
Town leaders respond
Town officials have not publicly said whether Snuggs will remain in his mayor pro tem role. As of recent local reporting, the town council office had not responded to reporters' requests for comment about his status.
The case is expected to move through Anson County court over the coming weeks as filings and hearings stack up. In the meantime, residents and town leaders are left to wrestle with questions about leadership and accountability while the legal process plays out.
