MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Dec. 10, 2017, arrest of 32-year-old Trenton Ray Fabian, of Robbinsville, North Carolina, for being in possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction.

On Dec. 10, 2017, deputies with the patrol division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were investigating a report of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. During the investigation, Fabian was found in possession of the vehicle. During a search subsequent of arrest, a short-barreled shotgun was found in the possession of Fabian.

Fabian was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $15,000 secure bond. Fabian is currently in custody and awaiting a Dec. 19, 2017, District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “Excellent work by the officers involved. They took the initiative to follow through with the investigation, which not only returned a vehicle to its rightful owner, but helped get an illegal weapon off the street.”

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].