Pair charged with trafficking in methamphetamine
Police & Government March 2, 2018MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 1, 2018, arrest of 33-year-old Jennifer Renee Ploof, of Rome, Georgia, and 41-year-old Dustin Eugene Mcclure, of Marble, North Carolina, for charges involving the trafficking of methamphetamine.
On March 1, 2018, a K-9 deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office while on patrol observed the vehicle Ploof and Mcclure were occupying, was speeding and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to immediately stop, at which time another deputy arrived to assist with the stop. While deputies were attempting to stop the vehicle, the passenger was observed throwing a plastic bag from the window.
Once the vehicle was stopped and upon approaching the vehicle, the deputies observed a crystalline substance on the passenger. The deputies also recovered the plastic bag thrown from the vehicle, which contained a quantity of a crystalline substance. Both the substance on the passenger and from the bag recovered were tested and produced a positive result for methamphetamine. An additional amount of crystalline substance was recovered from the floor and door of the vehicle, along with digital scales. Approximately 34 grams, or a little over 1 ounce, of methamphetamine was seized during the arrest.
Jennifer Renee Ploof was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center for TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. She was released after making a $25,000 secure bond. She has a March 6, 2018, District Court date.
Dustin Eugene Mcclure was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center and remains under a $25,000 secure bond for TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Mcclure has a March 6, 2018, court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “Another battle won in our war on drugs in Cherokee County. What was taken off the street today potentially cost these dealers a little over $3,000, but the amount is immeasurable when looking at the potential lives that could be saved.”
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].
Murphy High principal arrested, suspended amid allegations of misconduct
News February 12, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. – According to a statement from Cherokee County (N.C.) Schools (CCS) issued Saturday morning, Feb. 10, Thomas Graham, principal of Murphy High School, has been suspended with pay from school duties in response to allegations of misconduct and Graham’s subsequent arrest Thursday, Feb. 8.
In the statement, Graham’s suspension came from CCS Jan. 26. “Mr. Jason Forrister has been acting principal during this time and will continue in that role as long as necessary,” CCS stated.
The statement from the school system continued to say:
“Cherokee County Schools has been working with local and state law enforcement agencies and has fully cooperated with their investigation. Because personnel matters are considered confidential under state law, CCS cannot make any further comment regarding Mr. Graham. Further it is imperative that CCS strive alongside law enforcement agencies to seek the truth and impart fairness to all parties involved … Student safety is the first priority of Cherokee County Schools and CCS takes the appropriate measures necessary to provide a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all students, staff, parents and volunteers. Cherokee County Schools would like to thank the state and local law enforcement officials for the professionalism they have demonstrated thus far. CCS will continue to work with law enforcement throughout the entire process.”
According to CCS, the law requires any suspension taking place during an investigation to be paid.
Graham, 45, was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Thursday afternoon, Feb. 8, and later released from the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond.
According the booking report from CCSO, Graham is charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a student stemming from incidents occurring in January and February of 2016. Graham is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Murphy March 5, at 9 a.m.
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Convicted felon arrested for drugs and guns
News, Press Release December 19, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Dec. 11, 2017, arrest of 27-year-old Joshua Bryan Folston, of Warne, North Carolina, for being in possession of a firearm while a convicted felon as well as violations of the Controlled Substance Laws.
On Dec. 11, 2017, deputies with the patrol division of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office assisted by officers of the Murphy Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Folston was a passenger.
During a wants and warrants check on Folston, it was confirmed that he had an outstanding warrant for obtaining property by False pretense. During a search of the vehicle, a pistol was located, which was determined to be in the possession of Folston who was a convicted felon. A subsequent search of Folston and his belongings revealed a quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Folston was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $15,000 secure bond. Folston later made bond and has a Dec. 19, 2017, District Court date.
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. We appreciate the assistance of the officers with Murphy Police Department. Team Work!”
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].
Sex Offender Charged For Living too Close to School
Police & Government March 21, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that March 15th, 2018 arrest of 37 year old Adrian Montez Austin, of Andrews North Carolina for violations of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
On March 1st of this year a complaint was made with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office that Austin had established a residence the complainant felt was too close to the High School in Andrews North Carolina.
Deputies with the Patrol Division and Investigations Division worked together and were able to obtain evidence that Austin had established a residence approximately 290 feet from the Andrews High School, as well as moving from Clay County and failing to notify of his new address.
During the investigation information was discovered that indicated that Austin was involved in the illegal sale of controlled substances and had possibly involved young teen age juvenile females.
Austin was arrested at his Andrews North Carolina residence and incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center for 2 counts of Violation of the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the Sex Offender Registry. He is currently under a $15,000.00 secure bond and has a March 27th, 2018 court date.
Austin’s arrest was part of Operation Southern Impact II where a total of 76 people were arrested, and 13 children were rescued or identified as victims during a mutually coordinated operation between eight southeastern states. The joint, proactive event, Operation Southern Impact II, was coordinated by nine Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in those eight states and focused on persons who possess and distribute child pornography and those who are sexually exploiting children in other ways using technology and the internet.
Sheriff Palmer stated “As you can see this is just one of the reasons that we are so diligent in our monitoring of Sex Offenders and why we have partnered with our State and Federal Partners to keep our innocents safe.”
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].
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER
Featured January 31, 2017
WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER
Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the January 25th, 2017 arrest of 40 year old Beth Ann Scearce, who listed a Marble North Carolina address, for failing to register with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as a convicted sex offender.
In August of 2016 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a report that Scearce was a resident in Cherokee County North Carolina and that she had not registered with the Sheriff’s Office as she was required to do.
During the investigation information became known that Scearce was convicted of two counts of Aggravated Statutory Rape in Lauderdale County Tennessee Superior Court on or about February 2014. Pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Laws of Tennessee Scearce’s conviction required her to register as a sex offender. On or about July 15th, 2015 Scearce established a residence in Marble North Carolina and has not registered as a sex offender with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as required by the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Programs and the Jacob Wetterling Child Protection Act.
Once the investigation was completed it was presented to the Cherokee County Grand Jury which handed down the indictment for failing to register.
Scearce was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center and was released on January 26th, 2017 after making a $5,000.00 secure bond. Scearce is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court February 27th, 2017.
Sheriff Palmer said “My Office is committed to protecting the community including ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registry. As always the community’s awareness of individuals helps us do our jobs. In this particular instance aware citizens made complaint with SROs who worked in conjunction with our office.”
Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information 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.
Georgia Woman Charged with Child Abuse
Press Release June 13, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 5th, 2018 arrest of Elisha Keri Lowman, a 28 year old Ellijay Georgia woman for possession of methamphetamine and child abuse.
On June 5th, 2018 a Deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office observed Lowman operating a vehicle in which she committed a traffic violation. While the Deputy was investigating the traffic violation he observed in plain view an article of paraphernalia. A second Deputy arrived on scene and found a container that had a small amount of methamphetamine. Lowman was arrested for the possession of the illegal substance.
During the traffic stop the deputies found three small children in the car along with a pit bull. A Cherokee County Department of Social Services worker came to the scene and arranged for the children to go home with a relative at the request of Lowman. The pit bull was brought to the Sheriff’s Office where it was kept until another relative of Lowman could come get it.
Lowman was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was taken before the North Carolina Magistrate set a $5,000.00 bond. Lowman is currently incarcerated awaiting either bond or a June 12th, 2018 District Court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Good work by the deputies both with getting the drugs off the street and making it safe for the children. We also thank the Cherokee County Department of Social Services for their assistance in the matter.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Armed man arrested after standoff
Press Release December 27, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Dec. 20, 2017, arrest of 41-year-old Clyde Dean Dyer, of Andrews, North Carolina, for charges stemming from an armed standoff with Cherokee County Deputies.
On Dec. 19, 2017, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Patrol Deputies of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to an Andrews, North Carolina, residence to investigate a report of a Clyde Dean Dyer, who was armed and holding a mother and two children against their will. Further information was provided that if law enforcement officers arrived at the residence, Dyer stated, he would kill the officers.
As Patrol Deputies arrived on scene, Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was staged at a safe distance to provide further assistance, if needed. Additionally, the Cherokee Tribal Police Department SWAT team was requested to come to the scene to provide additional tactical assistance.
As the situation unfolded, the Patrol Deputies positioned themselves and were able to remove the two children from the residence. Shortly thereafter, Dyer pointed a rifle at the Patrol Deputies and discharged it.
After assuring the safety of the two children, the Patrol Deputies re-positioned themselves around the trailer, and a short time later, Dyer exited the residence and was subdued by the Patrol Deputies. It was later learned that Dyer had been wrestling with his wife, who had taken a loaded .45 caliber pistol from Dyer just prior to his exit from the trailer. The .45 caliber pistol and a .22 magnum rifle were seized from the residence.
Dyer was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with three counts of kidnapping first degree, five counts of assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer, assault on a female, assault by pointing a gun, and five counts of resisting an officer. Dyer is currently under a $250,000 secure bond. Dyer is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court Jan. 19, 2018.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “We thank both Cherokee County EMS and Cherokee Tribal for the assistance they provided. I want to compliment the bravery and courage of the officers who placed their safety and lives on the line in removing the children from the threat and re-engaging to subdue Dyer. This shows the caliber of officers we are blessed to have serve our community. Job well done!”
Sheriff Palmer asks if anyone should have any information concerning this case or any other case, to please report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law by calling 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Dallas Dwayne Carringer pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon
News November 16, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Dallas Dwayne Carringer, 25, of Murphy pled guilty to assault with a
deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury in Cherokee County Superior Court
presided over by the Honorable Gary Gavenus on Nov. 13, 2017.
In May 2017, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Candy
Mountain Road in the Hiwassee Dam community of Cherokee County to a report of an
individual being shot. At the culmination of the investigation, Carringer was arrested.
Judge Gavenus sentenced Carringer to not less than 67 months nor more than 93 months in
prison.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “This was some outstanding work by individuals in my office who
quickly made an arrest. We thank District Attorney Welch and her staff on teaming up with us
to present a case and bring Carringer to justice.”
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.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Asking For Your Assistance
Police & Government February 1, 2017
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is asking your assistance in locating Herman Milo Hardin Jr. who has several outstanding warrants for his arrest. Anyone that has information please call Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 828-837-2589 or call 911. Your assistance is appreciated.
GEORGIA MEN ARRESTED AFTER HOME INVASION
News January 20, 2017
GEORGIA MEN ARRESTED AFTER HOME INVASION
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the January 20, 2017 arrest of 20 year old Christian Pelicie-Mederos, 23 year old Selburn Abraham Ridley, 19 year old Monte Terrell Stewart, 19 year old Chevez Jamar Herron, and 23 year old Marquez Deshaun Hall, all who reported Atlanta Georgia addresses, for charges stemming from a home invasion in the Andrews Community on January 19th, 2017.
At about 9:45 pm January 19th, 2017 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence north of Andrews North Carolina to a report of shots fired. As the responding deputy was arriving in the area the vehicle that had been described containing the individuals that had broken into a residence was found disabled on the roadway. The vehicle was occupied by the five individuals and upon the approach of the responding deputy two of the individuals fled on foot. Two officers with the Andrews Police Department, additional deputies and investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrived and all five of the individuals were apprehended. Among the items seized at the scene was firearms, illegal controlled substances and a large amount of U.S. currency.
Pelicie-Medros, Ridley, Stewart, Herron and Hall were all booked into the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON, ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON, FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY, and RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER. All five are currently housed at the Cherokee County Detention Center under $100,000.00 secure bond. Herron has an additional $100,000.00 secure bond for charges from another incident in Clay County during 2016.
Sheriff Palmer stated “We have not completed our investigation but have some good indication why these individuals were in Cherokee County. We are continuing our investigation and are checking additional leads and information. I want to thank the officers of the Andrews Police Department for their assistance. I would like to remind the public that we appreciate any assistance they can provide but highly discourage any activities that would place them in harm’s way!”
Sheriff Palmer encourages any one 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.
SUSPICIOUS DEATH INVESTIGATED IN CHEROKEE COUNTY
News January 17, 2017
SUSPICIOUS DEATH INVESTIGATED IN CHEROKEE COUNTY
Murphy, NC — On January 9th 2017, shortly before 2 am, Cherokee County Deputies were dispatched to a Marble North Carolina residence in reference to a unknown medical problem. Cherokee County Emergency Communications advised that the caller stated “to send an ambulance fast and hung the phone up.”
Upon arriving Deputies and EMS personnel found 28 year old Louis Raines, a Bryson City North Carolina resident, suffering from head trauma. Raines was flown to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga where he later died.
Sheriff Palmer stated that “Since we are in the early stages of the investigation we are not going to speculate as to what may or may not have happened. We are actively pursuing all leads and appreciate any information anyone may have and ask them to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 828-837-2589.”
MURPHY MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON A CHILD
News January 17, 2017
MURPHY MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON A CHILD
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the January 09th 2017, arrest of 81 year old John Frederick Kaufman, of Murphy North Carolina for sexual assaults involving a child.
During the latter part of November 2016 a report was made that Kaufman was suspect in a child sexual assault. Pursuant to that allegation an investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office which culminated in the January 2017 arrest of Kaufman.
Kaufman is currently in custody at the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $ 100,000.00 secure bond. Kaufman is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on January 25, 2017.
Because of the age of the victims and the sensitive nature of the incident no further information is expected to be released from this office.
Sheriff Palmer encourages any one 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.
Sheriff’s Office Need Help In locating a Missing Person.
News January 10, 2017
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance in locating Jared Cheeks. He has been reported missing. Anyone having information concerning the safety and whereabouts of Jared Cheeks
Please contact Detective Jake Chapman at 828-837-2589.
