Former Smithfield Employee Faces 6 Charges Involving Minor

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – A former Town of Smithfield employee has been arrested on six charges following an Erwin Police Department investigation into allegations involving a juvenile.

James Tyndall, 34, of Dunn, was charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a minor and three counts of sexual battery.

Erwin Police Chief Jonathan Johnson said the investigation began Aug. 26 after the department received a complaint alleging inappropriate conduct involving a juvenile.

Because of the nature of the allegations, investigators arranged for the juvenile to undergo a forensic interview at the Harnett County Children’s Advocacy Center in Dunn.

During that interview, Chief Johnson said the juvenile disclosed past sexual abuse allegedly involving Tyndall.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants Sept. 2. Erwin Police, assisted by the Dunn Police Department, also executed a search warrant at Tyndall’s Dunn residence as part of the investigation.

Tyndall was taken to the Harnett County Detention Center, where police said he was being held without bond pending his first court appearance.

Former Town Employee

The Town of Smithfield confirmed Tyndall was hired May 16, 2022, and most recently worked as a meter technician.

As of Tuesday, Tyndall was no longer employed by the town.

Erwin Police said Tyndall also provided private baseball/softball coaching or instruction to children outside of his town employment.

Investigators are encouraging parents whose children received private coaching or instruction from Tyndall to speak with their children.

Anyone with additional information about Tyndall or the case may contact Detective Norris or Detective Core at the Erwin Police Department at 910-897-5122.

The investigation remains active.