Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting in Topton
Police & Government May 2, 2018MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated that shortly after 7:30 a.m. May 1, 2018, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call for assistance at a residence on Bryson Branch Road, in the Topton community of Cherokee County. The nature of the call was a possible domestic situation.
As units were responding to the scene, information was provided that someone may have been shot at the residence. Emergency Services personnel were dispatched and staged until units from the Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene. Once on scene, the arriving deputy was able to determine that a 39-year-old male had been shot and required medical attention.
EMS arrived and transported the individual to a location where he was later flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. His condition is unknown at this time.
The investigation continued late into the afternoon, as several individuals were interviewed and search warrants were completed at the residence. The investigation is continuing and ongoing, and when complete, it will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for further review.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “At this time, I will not comment further concerning this investigation as it is ongoing. I can say that we are not looking for any additional person(s) of interest in this case. The teamwork displayed today between law enforcement and Emergency Services is outstanding, and we appreciate the level of professionalism displayed by all today. As always, these are difficult cases on everyone involved.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Courthouse dome lantern plans discussed at commissioners meeting
News February 23, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. – Restoration plans for the Cherokee County Courthouse lantern were discussed at length by the Board of Commissioners during their Tuesday, Feb. 19 meeting.
Specific action was approved by the board to move the lantern from the Western Carolina Regional Airport to the former Cherokee Well Drilling property located off of U.S. 64.
Of the restoration plans, Commissioner C.B. McKinnon stated, “In the quotes we got, there’s a lot of elaborate work on (the lantern) which is never seen. Nobody knows it’s there. The only people that’s seen it is if you’re brave enough to go up in a basket on the crane … Those decorative items, in my opinion, is what drives the cost up … So, I think this is a nice compromise to get the lantern back on the courthouse and aesthetically looking like it’s always looked.”
McKinnon later described the decorative items in question as a “drapery” base that is nearly flat after Commissioner Cal Stiles expressed concerns over replicating the original design.
“There’s no physical way to see it from the ground,” McKinnon added.
Chairman Dr. Dan Eichenbaum pointed out that welding students from Tri-County Community College (TCCC) would be assisting with the project, and Vice Chairman Gary Westmoreland stated Charles Carry, welding instructor at TCCC would be overseeing the copper work restoration. Westmoreland further explained that Carry is “one of the best coppermen in western North Carolina.”
Currently, the estimated cost of the restoration work is projected to be around $50,000.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer presented the board with a proposal for legal services for the sheriff’s office. According to Palmer, the legal consultation service, Smith Rodgers PLLC, would be hired at a flat rate of $10,642 a year and the one-year contract would be begin July 1.
County Manager Randy Wiggins explained the service would be used as an enhancement to the county’s own attorney, giving the sheriff’s office 24/7 legal consultation.
“This group does not come out and represent the sheriff’s office in legal suits and things of that nature,” Palmer stated. “That’s for the county attorney. What they do is give that expert consultation when we need an answer right then and we’re calling, writing a search warrant or getting ready to go into someone’s home, we can call and say, ‘This is what we’ve got. What’s your expert opinion on this?'”
Commissioner Stiles explained he believed the service will save the county money in the long run stating, “In all probability, it’s going to cost us $10,000 if we’re having to pay our county attorney, at that point,to give you advice. That would eat into this cost.”
Of the expert consultation, Eichenbaum said, “Any consultation with them is much more efficient because they’ve dealt with it over and over and over again.”
The commissioners unanimously approved Palmer’s proposal with the caveat that Palmer approach Smith Rodgers about a pro-rated contract to take effect immediately until the July 1 contract begins. According to Maria Hass, BOC clerk and assistant county manager, after Palmer contacted Smith Rodgers later in the week, an arrangement was made for legal consultation services to begin Monday, Feb. 26, under a pro-rated contract for the amount of $3,645.
A new Caterpillar D6N dozer tractor for use at the Cherokee County Landfill was purchased by the board for the amount of $323,391.78 from Carolina Caterpillar of Charlotte. Commissioner McKinnon explained plans were previously made to repair the landfill’s existing dozer tractor for an estimated cost of $60,000. After agreements with the repair company fell through, however, the county studied the possibility of purchasing of a used tractor.
“That used tractor had 2,000 hours and it was (around $290,000),” McKinnon said, “and it didn’t have the landfill package on it. So, the used tractor was going to be a lot more than the new tractor by the time you put the landfill package (on it) that keeps the sprockets clear of the garbage and the safety things that go on it. So, that’s how we ended up at a new dozer tractor.”
McKinnon stated the new tractor comes with a five-year warranty. The board unanimously approved the purchase and agreed a future discussion would come as to what to do with the old dozer tractor.
The board approved an agreement for Ralph Robinson, lessee of the Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center LLC, to reimburse the county for electric and propane costs until the end of the fiscal year (June 30). After that, Robinson will have to negotiate his own contract for these utility services. Currently, the contracts for electric and propane remain with the county for the center.
Commissioners also approved a budget revision for use of the school Half-Cent Sales Tax in the amount of $41,672. The amount, approved by the Board of Education at their Feb. 8 meeting, will fund maintenance and repair costs at Hiwassee Dam, Murphy and Martin’s Creek elementary schools, The Oaks Academy, Andrews Middle School and Murphy High School.
The purchase of a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe was approved by the board for the sheriff’s office after the department lost the use of a patrol car due to engine failure. The cost of the Tahoe is $31,500 and the funds will be drawn from Sheriff’s Designated Fund balance.
The board approved a budget revision in the amount of $2,619 to purchase 10 animal waste receptacles and supplies for use at the Connahetta Park and Riverwalk area as well as the Andrews Recreation Park. The expenditure is funded from revenue from a North Carolina Community Conservation Assistance Program grant.
A proclamation declaring the 11th Annual Cherokee County Senior Games and Silver Arts Program to take place in Cherokee County April 28 through May 19 was issued by the Board of Commissioners. According to the proclamation, over one-third of the county’s full-time residents are 50 years of age or older, which puts Cherokee as one of the leading counties in the state in this category. The Senior Games and Silver Arts Program are “designed to inspire, motivate, and educate all citizens about their potential for good health and involvement throughout their lives.”
[Featured image: Chairman Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, left, and Commissioners C.B. McKinnon and Cal Stiles vote to accept the agenda for the Monday, Feb. 19, Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meeting as County Manager Randy Wiggins looks on. Not pictured: Commissioners Ray Dickey and Gary Westmoreland.]
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Andrews woman arrested for falsely reporting crimes
Press Release January 24, 2018
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].
Early morning raid nabs fugitive
Police & Government April 16, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 14, 2018, arrest of Benjamin Lee Stanley, a 39-year-old Topton, North Carolina, man, for domestic violence violations and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Over the past several months, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office had several interactions with Stanley including evading arrest on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Additionally, there were two active warrants for the arrest of Stanley for violation of Domestic Violence Protective Orders. On several occasions, Stanley had evaded arrest including a Friday morning encounter where Stanley led investigators on a chase eventually losing them as Stanley, who was operating a Jeep, took an off-road trail.
During the early morning hours of April 14, 2018, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division traveled to Stanley’s residence and utilized a search warrant to gain entry. Upon entering the residence, it was discovered that Stanley was again attempting escape by dropping down into the crawlspace of the residence and hiding until discovered by the deputies. Stanley was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Benjamin Lee Stanley was served with an indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and was placed on a $15,000 secure bond. Additionally, two domestic violence protective order violation warrants were served on Stanley, in which he was placed on a 48-hour no bond condition. Stanley was also charged with Resist Obstruct and Delay and was placed on a $3,000 secure bond. Stanley is currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Great work getting Mr. Stanley off the streets. It is obvious he has no regard for the court or the law. This was some outstanding work by the patrol officers who took this issue to heart, planning out a great mission and ensuring no one was hurt. Job Well Done!”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Commissioners, Sheriff Palmer hear of bull situation in Unaka community
News April 3, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. – The future of a red, nocturnal bull loose in the Unaka community was discussed at the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners April 2 meeting.
Linda Dubois spoke in public commentary on behalf of herself and her husband, Jon Dubois. Linda DuBois explained they have been residents in the Unaka community for over five years, and in that time, they have invested labor and finances over $1,000 to clear a 5 to 6-acre portion of their 15-acre property that composes the front yard of their residence.
“Lately, a red and curly haired bull has been tromping in our front yard to eat our sprouting green grass that we have seeded, mowed and carefully attended and, of course, leaving hundreds of piles of stinking diarrhea every night,” DuBois stated, while also presenting the board with pictures of the damage sustained in her yard.
The Unaka resident continued to explain the bull has been “free ranging” in their yard at night only for the past month, and during the day, is nowhere to be seen. DuBois also stated she had spoken with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) about the situation on four different occasions, and the CCSO conducted an investigation to determine the owner of the bull, but no nearby residents claimed ownership. DuBois then asked the BOC what they could do to help her.
“So nobody’s claiming this bull?” Commissioner C.B. McKinnon asked DuBois, which DuBois affirmed was correct. “(It’s) probably a $1,500 to $2,000 animal. Why don’t you claim it and sell it?”
After DuBois asked of the penalty of cattle theft in North Carolina, McKinnon reminded DuBois that no one had claimed it and it was invading her property.
After further discussion, Sheriff Derrick Palmer offered to meet personally with DuBois the next day to discuss options to resolve the situation in accordance with free-roaming livestock laws.
Later, the commissioners voted to affirm a county ordinance already in place concerning name changes for roads. According to Sam Davis, of the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency, the consent of 75 percent of property owners on a road is needed to change the name of a road.
At the March 19 commissioners meeting, Marble resident Anthony McCray addressed the BOC of his desire to change the name of Lambert Road, where he resides, back to Lower Vengeance Creek Road. McCray claimed the road name had changed in 2014 to reflect the surname of another resident, Ronald Lambert, without going through the proper channels of procedure. McCray also stated he felt a road should not be given a surname unless all residents of the road have that same surname.
Ronald Lambert, also in attendance at that meeting, told the commission that reverting back to the previous name would cause undue financial stress for him since he is a licensed foster parent through the state and all of his licensing would have to be changed to reflect the road name change.
After affirming the ordinance, the board told McCray and Lambert, both again present for the meeting, to resolve the issue among themselves, and if 75 percent of the residents on Lambert Road desired a new name, the residents could proceed with the process according to the ordinance.
Daphne Dockery, register of deeds, addressed the board about establishing a definite daily deadline time for all land recordings submitted to the register of deeds office. Chairman Dr. Dan Eichenbaum suggested setting the deadline time at 4:30 p.m. and Dockery told the board the sooner daily deadline would help curtail overtime among employees in the register of deeds office. The issue was tabled so as to give Dockery more time to collect data to assist the board with making a decision at a future meeting.
Also in public commentary, Aurelia Stone asked the commissioners to consider adopting a county ordinance that would require vacation rentals by owner (VRBOs) to have regular inspections and to contain fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors. According to Stone, state law currently does not require these mandates as it does for commercially owned vacation rentals. Stone stated this lack of requirements puts guests at risk when renting a VRBO.
The board approved and accepted two budget revisions. The first was an increase for revenue in the amount of $591 from a Smart Start Grant. The other revision was also an increase for an increase in the amount of $9,467 for state health promotion funding for mass media or messaging campaign to promote healthy communities.
Commissioners scheduled three budget meetings for Friday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m. in anticipation of finalizing the county budget for fiscal year 2018-2019. The April 27 meeting will be a departmental budget hearing, the May 31 meeting will be a budget work session for the county commissioners and the June 28 meeting is scheduled for the final adoption of the 2018-19 fiscal year county budget.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Murphy man charged with threats
Police & Government March 21, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 13, 2018, arrest of 55-year-old Keith Charles Celebreeze Sr. of Murphy, North Carolina, in connection with making threats via social media and emails.
For the past several months, numerous threatening and demeaning emails and social media postings were sent to individuals of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as well as individuals employed with the District Attorney’s office in Waynesville, North Carolina. The State Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation and several charges were taken out on Celebreeze. At some point in the investigation, Celebreeze had failed to make a scheduled court appearance.
Celebreeze surrendered himself to the Cherokee County Detention Center for the following charges: FAILURE TO APPEAR ON MISDEMEANOR X 3, EXTORTION X 2, and INTIMIDATING WITNESS X 2. He has a $357,000 secure bond and has an April 3, 2018, District Court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “We should remember, with the right of free speech, we have a responsibility not to infringe on the rights of others, and we will hold you accountable.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Graham appears in Superior Court Tuesday
Cherokee County Schools, News March 8, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. – Thomas Graham, the Murphy High School principal charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a student stemming from incidents occurring in January and February of 2016, appeared before Judicial District 30A Judge William H. Coward in Superior Court Tuesday, March 6, in Murphy.
On Tuesday, the next court date for Murphy High School Principal Thomas Graham was set for July 2.
Graham is represented by Murphy attorney Gerald R. Collins, and Judge Coward set Graham’s next court appearance for July 2.
Graham, 45, was indicted by a grand jury and arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Thursday, Feb. 8, and later released from the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond. According to the Cherokee County School System, the principal was suspended with pay Jan. 26, prior to the arrest. Since then, Jason Forrister has served as acting principal of Murphy High School.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
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Marble man arrested after shooting spree
News, Press Release December 19, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Dec. 12, 2017, arrest of 32-year-old Matthew Allen Glantzer, of Marble, North Carolina, for going armed to the terror of the public and injury to personal property.
On Dec. 12, 2017, deputies with the patrol division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to Airport Road in Marble to investigate a report of an individual walking in the roadway discharging a firearm.
The responding deputy, assisted by Sheriff Palmer and a detective from investigations, located Glantzer who was discharging a small caliber pistol in the air near the intersection of Airport Road and Bluff Road. The responding deputy was able to get Glantzer in custody at which time it was discovered that Glantzer was extremely intoxicated. During the investigation, it was also discovered that Glantzer had damaged road signs as well as other personal property.
Glantzer was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $2,500 secure bond. Glantzer made bond the next day and is awaiting a Dec. 19, 2017, District Court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “Alcohol and firearms do not mix for sure. This had all the makings of a very dangerous situation.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Seven arrested in drug raid
News November 16, 2017
MURPHY, N.C.— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Nov. 10, 2017, culmination of a multi-month investigation, which resulted in the arrest of seven Cherokee County, North Carolina, individuals on various drug possession charges.
Since January 2017, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an investigation into activities in and around a Marble community residence. Several complaints have been made by local citizens of activities that are consistent with the illegal possession and sale of controlled substances. As the investigators collected information from various sources, including calls for service, traffic infractions of individuals visiting the Marble residence and local and anonymous reports, they were able to obtain a search for the residence which garnered a trafficking amount of methamphetamine and marijuana as well as various items of drug paraphernalia.
The following individuals arrested at the residence:
Derek Wilson: Trafficking methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $150,000 secure bond and awaiting a Nov. 21, 2017, court date.
Tya Rogers: Trafficking methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $75,000 secure bond awaiting a Nov. 21, 2017, court date.
Noel Martin: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of Marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Is currently free upon posting a $3,500 secure bond and is expected to be back in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Chanda Mcgowan: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Charles Frazier: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Heather Frazier: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Bobby Foster: Possession of methamphetamine. Is currently free upon posting a $2,500 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Sheriff Palmer said, “These are very time-consuming cases, but we are following all leads to
attack the drug problem in Cherokee County. As you can see, we are utilizing all resources
available and encourage continued support of our community.”
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Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information on this crime or any other to
report it. To report crime in Cherokee County, you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-
1344 or email a tip at [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in
progress.
Robert Andrew Defore pled guilty to first-degree forcible sexual offense
News November 16, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Robert Andrew Defore, 41, of Andrews pled guilty to first-degree
forcible sexual offense in Cherokee County Superior Court presided over by the Honorable
Gary Gavenus on Nov. 13, 2017
In August 2015, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a request from the
Andrews Police Department to assist in a sexual assault investigation involving Defore and a
minor child. Pursuant to that allegation, a joint investigation was conducted which concluded
with the arrest of Defore.
Judge Gavenus sentenced Defore to a maximum of 29 years in prison, and he will serve
at least 20 years before he is eligible for release. Upon his release from prison, Defore will be
monitored by a satellite GPS tracking system, he will be required to register as a sex offender for
the remainder of his life, and he is prohibited from ever having contact with the victim.
“This conviction keeps a very dangerous child predator off the streets while he serves a
lengthy prison sentence and sends a strong message to the community that the District Attorney’s
office places the highest priority on protecting our children. I commend all of the dedicated
professionals who partner with the District Attorney’s office to give a strong voice to our most
vulnerable victims. Congratulations on a job well done,” said District Attorney Ashley Welch.
Sheriff Palmer said, “(This was) great team work by some very dedicated individuals. We echo District
Attorney Welch’s sentiments and will continue to fight those who attempt to rob our youth of
their innocence.”
Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information on this crime or any other to
report it. To report crime in Cherokee County, you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-
1344 or email a tip at [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in
progress.
Two arrested on drug charges
Police & Government March 26, 2018MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 22, 2018, arrest of Dustin Eugene Mcclure, a 41-year-old white male, of Marble, North Carolina, and 36-year-old Timothy Robert Norton, of Candler, North Carolina, for possessing a trafficking amount of methamphetamine.
On March 22, 2018, detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit provided information to the North Carolina Probation and Parole that the Marble residence of Mcclure possibly had stolen property and illegally possessed controlled substances.
Upon arriving at the Marble residence, stolen property and drug paraphernalia were observed in plain view. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted a search of the property. As a result, an excess of 117 grams of methamphetamine were seized along with two bottles of suspected steroids, a bottle of suspected MDMA capsules, marijuana seeds, stolen property, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia.
Mcclure was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with: TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Mcclure is currently being held on a $110,000 secure bond and is expected in Cherokee County District Court March 27, 2018.
Norton was arrested and taken to the Cheorkee County Detention Center where he was charged with TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, , MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Norton is currently being held on a $110,000 secure bond and is expected in Cherokee County District Court March 27, 2018.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “This was a pretty fair amount of dope taken off the street, the little over 4 ounces or nearly a quarter pound has an approximate street value of a little over $10,000. Good working with Probation and Parole to take these two down.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Andrews man charged with murder
Police & Government March 5, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 4. 2018, arrest of 36-year-old James Donald Taylor Jr., of Andrews, North Carolina, for second degree murder.
On March 4, 2018, the Cherokee County 911 Communications Center received a call for service to an address in Andrews, North Carolina. The nature of the call was that a female inside the residence had been shot. While law enforcement and emergency services personnel were en route to the scene, further information became known that Taylor had fled the scene in a small unknown make and model vehicle. Additional information was later given that Taylor was still armed.
Information was broadcast concerning the make and model of the vehicle that Taylor was occupying. A short time later, a deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office observed the vehicle inside the town limits of Murphy. A felony stop was initiated which included several officers of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Murphy Police Department.
During the arrest of Taylor, information was later made known that the victim was deceased. Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by agents of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation worked late into the night continuing the investigation and seizing several items of evidence from the Andrews, North Carolina, residence.
Taylor has been booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on the charge of second degree murder. Currently, Taylor has no bond.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “This investigation is in its early stages as we continue to collect information. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and the community as we all experience this loss. We appreciate the assistance that has been provided by the Murphy Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Three arrested for drugs and guns
Press Release February 21, 2018MURPHY, N.C.— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Feb. 16, 2018, arrest of 19-year-old Alicia Madison Brooks, of Blairsville, Georgia, 32-year-old Benjamin Dann Owens, of Blairsville, Georgia, and 20-year-old Jordan Taylor Hensley, also of Blairsville, Georgia, for violations of the controlled substance statute and violation of various weapon statutes.
On Feb. 16, 2018, a narcotics detective observed a vehicle make an illegal U-turn on U.S. 64 east near the town limits of Murphy. The narcotics detective followed the vehicle and made a traffic stop in which the vehicle was occupied by Brooks, Owens and Hensley. After the driver of the vehicle refused consent to search the vehicle, the narcotics K-9 was used and alerted the presence of illegal narcotics.
During the search of the occupants of the vehicle, syringes and other paraphernalia was located. Additionally, officers located a semi-automatic pistol along with a rifle that appeared to have a silencer on it in the passenger area of the vehicle. During the stop, information was located that Owens was a convicted felon.
Alicia Madison Brooks was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center and booked for: MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER, SIMPLE POSSESS SCH VI CS. Brooks was later released on a unsecure bond after appearing in Cherokee County District Court Feb. 19.
Benjamin Dann Owens was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where a small amount of suspected methamphetamine was found secreted on him. Owens remains incarcerated on a $15,000 secure bond on the following charges: POSSESS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRISON/JAIL PREMISSES, POSSESSION OF FIREARM BY FELON, PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE.
Jordan Taylor Hensley was arrested and charged with RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER. Hensley posted a $1,000 secure bond. Sheriff Palmer stated, “Again good work by all concerned. The mixture of illegal drugs and firearms, especially by convicted felons, makes for a dangerous situation!”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Absconding sex offender arrested after short foot chase
Press Release February 21, 2018
MURPHY, N.C.— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Feb. 16, 2018, arrest of 38-year-old Robert Burl Fletcher III, who listed a Gaston County, North Carolina address.
On Feb. 16, 2018, a patrol officer was dispatched to a business located on U.S. 64 west to investigate a report of individuals acting suspicious who may be involved in the illegal sale of controlled substances. The patrol officer arrived on scene and obtained identifying information from a male and female at the location. At the same time, an investigator of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist in the investigation. Fletcher then started fleeing from the scene and was apprehended a short distance later.
In a search incident to arrest, a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and narcotic paraphernalia was found. Fletcher is a convicted sex offender and had two active warrants from Clay and Gaston counties in North Carolina for failure to Notify Change of Address.
Robert Burl Fletcher III is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center on the following charges POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER. Fletcher’s bond for the Cherokee County charges is $15,000 secure. Clay and Gaston counties both have holds placed on Fletcher should he make bond.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “We cannot over stress the importance of the Sex Offender Registry laws and their importance in keeping registered offenders in compliance.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Robbinsville man arrested for possession of sawed off shotgun
News, Press Release December 19, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Dec. 10, 2017, arrest of 32-year-old Trenton Ray Fabian, of Robbinsville, North Carolina, for being in possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction.
On Dec. 10, 2017, deputies with the patrol division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were investigating a report of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. During the investigation, Fabian was found in possession of the vehicle. During a search subsequent of arrest, a short-barreled shotgun was found in the possession of Fabian.
Fabian was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $15,000 secure bond. Fabian is currently in custody and awaiting a Dec. 19, 2017, District Court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “Excellent work by the officers involved. They took the initiative to follow through with the investigation, which not only returned a vehicle to its rightful owner, but helped get an illegal weapon off the street.”
Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Murphy man sentenced in assault case
News November 16, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — William Kraig Moran, 53, of Murphy pled guilty to statutory rape in
Cherokee County Superior Court presided over by the Honorable Gary Gavenus on Nov.
13, 2017.
In July 2017, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s received a complaint alleging that Moran
had sexually assaulted a minor child. The joint investigation was conducted involving the Cherokee
County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Department of Social Services, HAVEN Child
Advocacy Center, and the 30th District Attorney’s Office. The joint investigation culminated in the arrest of Moran.
Judge Gavenus sentenced Moran to a maximum of 21 years and 8 months in prison, and
he will serve at least 13 years and 10 months before he is eligible for release. Upon his release
from prison, Moran will be monitored by a GPS satellite tracking system, and he will be required
to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
“This conviction keeps a very dangerous child predator off the streets while he serves a
lengthy prison sentence and sends a strong message to the community that the District Attorney’s
office places the highest priority on protecting our children. I commend all of the dedicated
professionals who partner with the District Attorney’s office to give a strong voice to our most
vulnerable victims. Congratulations on a job well done,” said District Attorney Ashley Welch.
Sheriff Palmer said, “Again, (this was) great team work by some very dedicated individuals. We echo
District Attorney Welch’s sentiments and will continue to fight those who attempt to rob our
youth of their innocence.”
Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information on this crime or any other to
report it. To report crime in Cherokee County, you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-
1344 or email a tip at [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in
progress.