Man Found Hiding in Chimney During Cherokee County Drug Search

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. — A man was arrested after deputies executing a search warrant discovered him hiding inside a chimney and seized suspected methamphetamine at a residence in the Murphy community, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said members of the sheriff’s office Narcotics Division and Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at a home on Hampton Church Road. While clearing the residence, officers noticed debris on the floor that appeared to have fallen from the ceiling.

Investigators then checked the attic and discovered a man hiding inside the chimney, officials said. The occupants of the home were detained while officers conducted a search of the residence.

During the search, deputies recovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect, identified as Horace Moneymaker of Murphy, was charged with felony conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, felony conspiracy to sell methamphetamine, felony possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Chris Wood, sheriff of Cherokee County, assisted with the execution of the search warrant and praised the work of the deputies involved.

“I am proud of the work of these officers,” Wood said in a statement. “I have made it a priority for this office to aggressively target and apprehend those who choose to bring drugs into our county. If you are dealing drugs in Cherokee County, I hope you see our work this week. We will be seeing you soon.”

Authorities noted that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.