MURPHY, N.C.— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Jan. 16, 2018, arrest of 28-year-old Samantha Carol Head, of Andrews, North Carolina, for falsely reporting crimes.  

On Jan. 14, 2018, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation of a female who during the past two years had been calling the administrative phone lines at the 911 center and falsely reporting an array of crimes. The reports included vehicle accidents, fights, and breaking and entering in progress. Head was identified as the calling party, and it was later determined that she was using an Android phone application on her phone to disguise her number.

Head was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was booked on 19 counts of falsely reporting an incident. Head was released on a $10,000 unsecure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court Feb. 26, 2018.  

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “This type of crime might appear insignificant, but in reality, could have some serious implications. Not only does this tie up our communicators who may be needed on real emergencies, it also ties up law enforcement and other public safety agencies whose services may be needed to attend to serious life-threatening situations.”

To report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].