Four arrested on trafficking heroin charges

MURPHY, Nc – Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer reported the Jan. 16, 2020 arrest of four Murphy individuals for trafficking in controlled substances, including heroin, within the county.

During the early morning hours of Jan. 16, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) conducted a search of a residence just outside the Murphy city limits. The search was part of a yearlong investigation into individuals who were illegally possessing and selling controlled substances.

According to CCSO, the search of the residence resulted in a trafficking amount of heroin, along with paraphernalia. Deputies also seized a firearm. The following individuals were arrested and charged as follows:

Jeremiah Lease Graves was charged with the following and given a $65,000 secured bond:

Trafficking Heroin
Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Heroin
MAINTN VEH/DWELL/PLACE CS (F)
Simple possession of Sch 3
Simple Possession of Sch 4
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Firearm by convicted felon
Resist obstruct delay an officer

Amber Nicole Johnson was charged with the following and given a $65,000 secured bond:

Trafficking Heroin
Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Heroin
MAINTN VEH/DWELL/PLACE CS (F)
Simple possession of Sch 3
Simple Possession of Sch 4
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Firearm by convicted felon

Ryan Lee Mashburn was charged with the following and given a $55,500 secured bond:

Trafficking Heroin
Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Heroin
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Andrew David Bennett was charged with the following and given a $50,000 secured bond:

Trafficking Heroin
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Sheriff Palmer said, “Good work by the investigators, deputies, and community who worked together to make this arrest happen.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov. All are innocent until proven guilty.

Images courtesy of CCSO Facebook page.

Lauren Souther