Six arrested in North Carolina on federal drug charges
News, Police & Government February 26, 2020Murphy, NC – Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer reported Feb. 24 arrest of six individuals on federal charges for illegally possessing and distributing controlled substances.
The arrests followed an investigation that consisted of several state and federal agencies.
The following individuals were charged on federal indictments:
Matthew Wondra – 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine, 4 counts of distribution of crystal methamphetamine, 2 counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 1 count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jamie Allen – 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine and 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
Derek Wilson – 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine and 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine (in custody of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office).
Leslie Cartwright – 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
Brian Majercik – 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
Christopher Price – 3 counts of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, 2 counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 2 counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Agencies Involved:
DEA-Asheville Post of Duty / Western North Carolina HIDTA is comprised of the following:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Swain County Sheriff’s Office
Cherokee Indian Police Department – to include their SWAT Team
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
Asheville Police Department
Henderson County Sheriff’s Office
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Drug Enforcement Administration
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Assisting agencies:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
United States Postal Inspector Service
Sheriff Palmer said “We are glad to work with these agencies to help with the illegal distribution of controlled substances in Cherokee County. We will continue to work with our federal partners to address the continued drug problems we face.”
Five arrested for drugs in Murphy
News, Police & Government November 13, 2019MURPHY, NC – Five people are in jail and a sizable amount of drugs and cash have been seized after an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
At nearly 2:30 a.m., Nov. 8, detectives with the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant on a local motel in Murphy that resulted in the seizure of illegal narcotic and paraphernalia, including methamphetamine, marijuana, opioid pills, and heroin, according to a statement from Sheriff Derrick Palmer.
The search warrant was issued after the sheriff’s office received information Nov. 7 that Benjamin Highsmith was renting a room at the motel and was selling illegal drugs from the location.
Detectives conducted surveillance on the room and made several traffic stops on individuals that visited the room.
As a result of the traffic stops, detectives recovered approximately 3.41 grams of grey powder heroin, 4.02 grams of black tar heroin, .21 grams of methamphetamine, and assorted prescriptions pills that are controlled substances under the North Carolina Controlled Substance Act, according to Palmer’s statement.
Due to the traffic stops, detectives were able to produce probably cause to gain the search warrant for the motel room occupied by Highsmith.
When detectives attempted to gain access the room, Highsmith was able to flush an unknown amount of drugs and cash down the toilet, according to the statement.
Despite that, officers were able to seize approximately 140 grams (5 ounces) of Black Tar Heroin. Officers were also able to seize a small amount of prescription pills, $845 in cash, and a semi-automatic handgun.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Cherokee Tribal Police and the Murphy Police Department.
Those charged in the investigation were:
-Heather Ramsey, age 40, of Murphy, who was arrested and charged with trafficking in heroin, possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of Schedule II, bringing controlled substance into a confinement facility;
-Jessie Crist, age 38, of Murphy, who was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia;
-Louis Tarantino Jr., age 38, of Murphy, who was arrested and charged with simple possession of Schedule V and possession of drug paraphernalia;
-Benjamin Highsmith, age 29, of Rome, Georgia, who was arrested and charged with trafficking in heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, simple possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and,
-Sherrie Marie Brooks, age 26, of Rome, Georgia, who was arrested and charged with trafficking in heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, simple possession of Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
To report suspicious activities and suspected violations of the law, concerned citizens can call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Five arrested for drugs, guns in Cherokee County
News, Police & Government October 25, 2019ANDREWS, NC – Five people are in jail and thousands of dollars worth of drugs and guns have been taken off the streets of Cherokee County.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer released a statement late Tuesday, Oct. 22, announcing the arrest of five individuals as a result of a continuing investigation.
The investigation has been ongoing into individuals who were reportedly illegally selling controlled substances in Cherokee County.
Phillip Chambers, 49, of Andrews; Dennis Solles, 62, of Robbinsville; Ralph Edward Daily Jr., 42, of Andrews; Tracy Teesateskie Hemphill, 48, of Robbinsville; and Patsy Morgan Deetz, 59, of Andrews were taken into custody late Tuesday for violations of the controlled substances act.
Chambers has been charged with trafficking in opium or heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and three other charges. He is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center on $201,000 secure bond.
Solles, Daily, and Hemphill have been charged with possession of heroin and are being held in the detention center on $10,000 bond each.
The arrests were made due to a joint operation between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, along with several federal offices.
The arrests occurred after the agencies served a search warrant at Chambers’ Andrews residence. During the search of the residence, investigators found trafficking amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, along with multiple guns and ammunition, and a sizable amount of cash.
During the search, a stolen vehicle was also recovered.
Palmer released a statement on the arrest, which follows:
“As you can see, it takes a team to tackle our drug problem here in Cherokee County. We are appreciative of the assistance by Jackson and Macon for providing their SERT, as well as the assistance of our federal partners who we have assigned Task Force Officers to enable us to pursue prosecution at the federal level. This investigation is far from closed and will more than likely spread to other targets, not only here in Cherokee County, but in Western North Carolina and North Georgia as well. We are also appreciative of our community who continues to provide us with valuable information that leads us to these kinds of arrests,” Palmer said.
CDC reveals deadliest drug in America
Health, News December 15, 2018According to the latest numbers from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, Fentanyl is now the most commonly used drug involved in overdoses.
The new report says that the rate of drug overdoses involving the synthetic opioid increased by about 113% each year from 2013 through 2016.
What is fentanyl?
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.
It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States.
However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product–with or without the user’s knowledge–to increase its euphoric effects.
Illicitly-made fentanyl use is on the rise
The rate of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone, which includes fentanyl, doubled from 2015 to 2016. Roughly 19,400 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids other than methadone in 2016.
Reports from law enforcement indicate that much of the synthetic opioid overdose increase may be due to illegally or illicitly made fentanyl. According to data from the National Forensic Laboratory Information System, confiscations, or seizures, of fentanyl increased by nearly 7 fold from 2012 to 2014. There were 4,585 fentanyl confiscations in 2014. This suggests that the sharp rise in fentanyl-related deaths may be due to increased availability of illegally made, non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, and not prescribed fentanyl.
The number of states reporting 20 or more fentanyl confiscations every six months is increasing. From July to December 2014, 18 states reported 20 or more fentanyl drug confiscations. By comparison, six states reported 20 or more fentanyl drug confiscations from July to December 2013.
What can be done?
CDC suggests the following actions in response to increases in fentanyl-related overdose deaths:
Improve detection of fentanyl outbreaks
- Public health departments:
Explore methods for more rapidly detecting drug overdose outbreaks, including fentanyl. - Medical examiners and coroners:
Screen for fentanyl in suspected opioid overdose cases in regions reporting increases in fentanyl confiscations, fentanyl-related overdose fatalities or unusually high spikes in heroin or unspecified drug overdose fatalities. Not all jurisdictions routinely test for fentanyl. - Law enforcement:
Law enforcement can play an important role identifying and responding to increases in the distribution and use of illegally-made fentanyl.
Expand Use of Naloxone
Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid-related overdoses, including heroin and fentanyl, and is a critical tool in preventing fatal opioid overdoses. Depending on state and local laws, this medication can be administered by EMS, law enforcement, other drug users, or family and friend bystanders who have obtained the medication.9
- Health Care Providers:
Multiple doses of naloxone may need to be administered per overdose event because of fentanyl’s high potency relative to other opioids.10 - Harm reduction organizations:
Conduct trainings on naloxone use to persons at risk for opioid-related overdose and their friends and family members.
Traffic Stop Nets Drugs
Press Release June 13, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 06th, 2018 arrest of Makayla Louise Trentham a 20 year old Copperhill Tennessee woman for possession of illegal controlled substances.
On or about June 06th, 2018 a deputy while on patrol observed a vehicle which was being driven in a manner that was suspicious. The deputy made an investigative stop. During the stop a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and several alprazolam (Xanax) tablets were confiscated. Investigation revealed that Trentham was in possession of the illegal substances.
Trentham was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she posted a $1,000.00 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 12th, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Even small amounts being taken off the streets is worth it. Good work by the deputy for being alert and looking farther into the situation.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Citizen Tip Leads to Arrests for Drugs and Fugitives
Arrest Reports, Police & Government, Press Release November 13, 2018CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
For more information call 828.837.2589
CITIZEN TIP LEADS TO ARRESTS FOR DRUGS AND FUGITIVES
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the November 09th, 2018 arrest of 31 year old Matthew Wondra of Andrews North Carolina and 20 year old Katelyn Helmick of Sylvania Georgia for controlled substance violations and being fugitives from justice. During the evening hours of November 09th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received information that a female was selling controlled substances at a local convenience store. Deputies went to the area and were able to locate the vehicle that Helmick and Wondra were occupying at the time. During the investigation a search of the vehicle and persons of Helmick and Wondra recovered controlled substances, paraphernalia and US currency. Additionally, a wants and warrant check of both Helmick and Wondra revealed they were wanted in Georgia in connection with a major theft investigation.
Matthew Wondra was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was incarcerated for PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, EXTRADITION/FUGITIVE OTHER STATE, POSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 OZ, SIMPLE POSSESSION SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Wondra is currently free after posting a $30,000.00 secure bond and has a November 29th, 2018 court date.
Katelyn Helmick was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was incarcerated for PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,
EXTRADITION/FUGITIVE OTHER STATE, POSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 OZ, SIMPLE POSSESSION SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Helmick is currently being held on a $30,000.00 secure bond and has a November 29th, 2018 court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “I want to commend the deputies on this arrest. They were diligent and pursued the investigation and not only took dangerous drugs off the street, but also located wanted fugitives. I would like to add that from this investigation we feel we can follow leads that will further our fight against the distribution of illegal substances in Cherokee County.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Convicted felon arrested for drugs and guns
News, Press Release December 19, 2017MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Dec. 11, 2017, arrest of 27-year-old Joshua Bryan Folston, of Warne, North Carolina, for being in possession of a firearm while a convicted felon as well as violations of the Controlled Substance Laws.
On Dec. 11, 2017, deputies with the patrol division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office assisted by officers of the Murphy Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Folston was a passenger.
During a wants and warrants check on Folston, it was confirmed that he had an outstanding warrant for obtaining property by False pretense. During a search of the vehicle, a pistol was located, which was determined to be in the possession of Folston who was a convicted felon. A subsequent search of Folston and his belongings revealed a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Folston was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $15,000 secure bond. Folston later made bond and has a Dec. 19, 2017, District Court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “Again, good work by all concerned. The mixture of illegal drugs and firearms, especially by convicted felons, makes for a dangerous situation. We appreciate the assistance of the officers with Murphy Police Department. Team Work!”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
GEORGIA DOCTORS INDICTED FOR TRAFFICKING DRUGS
News March 2, 2016Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 02nd, 2016 arrest of 59 year old James Lanier Heaton, and 58 year old John Michael Gowder both of Blairsville Georgia on true bills of indictment handed down from the February 29th, 2016 session of the Cherokee County Grand Jury.
During a joint investigation being conducted in North Georgia into individuals who were committing drug fraud it became apparent that both Heaton and Gowder, doctors with a practice in North Georgia were operating their fraudulent drug activities in Cherokee County North Carolina. Information from that investigation was collected and submitted to the Grand Jury who issued true bills of indictment for 5 counts of trafficking in Opium or Heroin and 5cts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by forgery against both Heaton and Gowder.
Both Heaton and Growder were arrested on the charges and the North Carolina Magistrate set a each a $500,000.00 secure bond and a April 04th, 2016 Superior Court date on them. Growder posted the secure bonds and Heaton remains in custody at the time of this release.
Sheriff Palmer stated “We want to thank the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Drug Division Unit, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA for partnering with us on this investigation. Again, we are going after the folks who are running drugs in Cherokee County and won’t stop until we catch all we can to make Cherokee County safe for our folks.”
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.
MURPHY MAN ARRESTED FOR DRUGS
News February 14, 2016
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the February 11th, 2016 arrest of 37 year old Deodrick Santrez Boykin, of Murphy North Carolina for possession of a stolen vehicle and the illegal possession of controlled substances.
On February 11th, 2016 Boykin was stopped by members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Boykin was arrested during the traffic stop based on warrants for possession of a stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle subsequent to the arrest on the warrant, Methamphetamine and Heroin along with items of paraphernalia were found.
Boykin was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with POSSESS WITH INTENT TO MANUFACTURE/SELL/DELIVER HEROIN, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESS STOLEN AUTOMOBILE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, SIMPLE POSSESSION SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Boykin is currently being held on a $10,000.00 secure bond awaiting a February 24th, 2016 District Court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated “Whatever it takes and however many times we need to put people in jail so that they learn that we will not tolerate the illegal sale and distribution of drugs in Cherokee County we will continue doing what we are doing and encourage our community to continue to partner with us, we are making a difference.”
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.