Murphy, NC — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the July 19th, 2016 arrest of 53 year Kenneth James Laney who gave a Marble North Carolina address.

On July 19th, 2016 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported disturbance at residence in the Marble Community of Cherokee County North Carolina. Upon further investigation information was made known that Laney was suspect of trespassing upon property owned by the victim and that Laney was also suspect in the sexual battery of an adult female who resided at the residence where Laney was trespassing.
Laney was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center and placed on a $2,000.00 unsecure bond and is awaiting a August 02nd, 2016 District Court hearing.

Because of the sensitive nature of the crime reported no further press releases will be made concerning this case.

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information on this crime or any other to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in
progress.