During the investigation information became known that Scearce was convicted of two counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape in Lauderdale County Tennessee Superior Court on or about February 2014. Pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Laws of Tennessee Scearce’s conviction required her to register as a sex offender. On or about July 15th, 2015 Scearce established a residence in Marble North Carolina and has not registered as a sex offender with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as required by the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Programs and the Jacob Wetterling Child Protection Act.

Once the investigation was completed it was presented to the Cherokee County Grand Jury which handed down the indictment for failing to register.

Scearce was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center and was released on January 26th, 2017 after making a $5,000.00 secure bond. Scearce is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court February 27th, 2017.

Sheriff Palmer said “My Office is committed to protecting the community including ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registry. As always the community’s awareness of individuals helps us do our jobs. In this particular instance aware citizens made complaint with SROs who worked in conjunction with our office.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information 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.