PROPERTY OWNER CHARGED IN AFTERMATH OF LARGE PARTY

Hillsborough, NC (May 9, 2025) – Working in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents served warrants Wednesday on the owner of Smokehouse Valley Farm, an agritourism property in rural Orange County.  Owner Dwight B. Poole, 60, faces six counts of aiding and abetting people under the age of 21 to consume alcohol at a large party held Friday night, May 2, at his event venue.

More than 2,500 people attended the party off Mill Creek Road. According to Sheriff Charles Blackwood, “Attendees parked along both sides of the road, blocking the flow of traffic. They obstructed driveways, left automobiles in the yards of neighboring property owners, and intoxicated individuals wandered between vehicles snarled in traffic. Many partygoers were underage, and people drove away from the event despite being significantly under the influence of intoxicating substances. Others were so impaired they passed out along the roadway. Responding law enforcement officers and medical first responders had great difficulty reaching those in need of assistance. In my opinion, this gathering was of such a size and scope that the overall risk to attendees, community residents, and first responders was alarmingly high. I am grateful to ALE and the State Highway patrol for assisting us.”

The magistrate ordered Poole to appear in court on May 29.

Telecommunicators fielded approximately 75 calls for service related to the party within a six-hour period. This number represents more than 37% of all 911 calls in the county during that timeframe (including calls for Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Carrboro Police, EMS units, and the fire services). More than 25 officers from multiple agencies responded, and emergency medical personnel transported several people to area hospitals.

“ALE’s primary mission is to reduce alcohol-related crime and its harmful impact on our communities," said Bryan House, Director of North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement. "We value our partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies as we work together toward that shared goal.”

###