Fleetwood, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 57-year-old Joseph Patrick O’Conner of Fleetwood. O’Connor has been charged with Felony Disclosure of Private Images and Possession of Controlled Substances on Jail Premises by the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office.
In June 2026, a resident of Ashe County contacted Special Victims Detective Blanco to report that O’Connor, a former friend, had publicly posted three photos of a female, partially unclothed body on Facebook with the intent to harass and humiliate her. After the investigation, photos were discovered that had been posted during an argument after the breakup.
The suspect, Joseph Patrick O’Connor was arrested and transported to the Ashe County Detention Center. While in the booking area of the Ashe County Detention Center, a vape containing a small amount of white powdered substance known as Methamphetamine was discovered in his possession. The substance will be sent to the NCSBI Lab for further testing. Additional charges of Possession of a controlled substance on jail premises were added.
Joseph Patrick O’Connor was booked under an $8,500 secured bond. His charges include:
• Felony Disclose Private Images/Adult
• Felony Possess Controlled Substance, Prison/Jail Premises
