Five arrested for drugs in Murphy

MURPHY, 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 crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.