Sampson sheriff candidate faces assault charge

Clinton, N.C. — A man seeking the office of Sampson County sheriff is in a bit of legal trouble himself.

Victor Hugo Felipe, 42, of 607 Sunset Ave. in Clinton, faces an assault charge for allegedly forcing a woman's head toward his crotch, Clinton Police Capt. Jay Tilley said.

Tilley said Felipe and the woman are both cosmetology students at Sampson Community College. "The alleged victim was giving the suspect a pedicure as part of an assignment for class" on Nov. 6 when the assault happened, Tilley said.

Felipe was arrested Nov. 12, charged with assaulting a female and placed under a $300 bond, Tilley said.

He did not know whether Felipe would withdraw from the race for sheriff.