Video: Judge, Sheriff argue over canceled purchase of transport van, sheriff’s budget

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 — Tempers flared at the Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 Nelson Fiscal Court meeting during a discussion of the purchase of a prisoner transport van that would be shared by the Nelson County Jail and the sheriff’s office — paid for mostly with jail canteen proceeds.

Nelson County Judge-Executive Tim Hutchins, angered at the increases in the van’s price — which exceeded the $75,000 authorized by Fiscal Court — announced in an email to magistrates and the sheriff that he rescinded his approval of the purchase.

The decision led to angry verbal exchanges between Hutchins and Nelson County Sheriff Ramon Pineiroa.

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