Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith Resigns Following DA’s Request

MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith has announced his resignation effective Friday, following a request from District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch citing a loss of confidence in his leadership.

Cherokee County officials received Smith’s formal resignation Thursday afternoon. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a special meeting Saturday at 4 p.m. to formally declare the sheriff’s office vacant.

In a Jan. 28 letter, Welch stated that ongoing controversies and alleged negligence within the sheriff’s office had negatively impacted the criminal justice system and department morale. She expressed concerns about public trust and safety, referencing issues including evidence handling concerns, jail escapes, and the 2025 death of a detention officer following an inmate escape.

Smith, a one-term sheriff who had planned to seek reelection, said his decision to step down was influenced by personal and family considerations after what he described as a challenging three years in office. In a statement, he emphasized the progress made during his tenure and encouraged continued support for the sheriff’s office moving forward.

Under North Carolina law, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Smith’s term, which expires in December 2026.