County agreement will let MHS wrestling use armory
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, Cherokee County Schools, News November 5, 2019
MURPHY, NC – An agreement between the board of commissioners and the county school system to allow the Murphy High wrestling team to use the Murphy National Guard Armory was approved by the commission board Monday night.
The board approved the agreement during their regular monthly meeting Nov. 4 at the county courthouse.
The agreement states: “Cherokee County Schools may use the facility as a practice facility for the Murphy High School’s Wrestling team ONLY. No other events or uses may be conducted without written permission of the Cherokee County Government.”
County Manager Randy Wiggins said the county can cancel the agreement at any time.
County Manager Randy Wiggins said the agreement is “revocable at-will by the county.”
District 2 Commissioner C.B. McKinnon said, “It’s a great place to have the wrestling team.”
McKinnon also stated that the county and the school would have to figure out exactly what portion of the armory the team would need to use once the weather is cold enough to require heating.
“In the meantime, it’s not a problem,” McKinnon said. “Heat’s not a big issue right now, it’ll be awhile (before it is cold enough).”
Per the agreement, the school system will be responsible for:
“the removal of all trash and debris from the facility each day of use, the general cleanliness of the restrooms and the practice area from the beginning of practice for the wrestling season until the last practice of the wrestling season.”
The school system will also have to ensure that “any equipment used in the facilitation of wrestling practice shall be removed from the premises at the end of the wrestling season or at any time with 48-hours’ notice by County to Cherokee County Schools.”
The agreement was approved unanimously.
Wiggins then went on to provide an update on the developments at the landfill located on U.S. 19 in Marble.
Wiggins said that as of Oct. 29, the rain cover is 80 percent complete on Cell No. 2, and that the county had acquired a hydroseeder for the project Oct. 30.
Wiggins also said that as of Oct. 31, the permit meeting with state officials slated for Nov. 7 may be pushed back a week due to the landfill receiving 7 inches of rain during the past week. He assured the board that the construction process was “moving along” as expected.
The board also approved $1,149.51 in tax refunds and $865.94 in tax releases.
Commission Chairman Gary Westmoreland, left, and District 4 Commissioner Dr. Dan Eichenbaum both agreed a work session was needed.
Finally, the board approved moving the scheduled meeting the the Department of Social Serice from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The board also added a work session Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
The idea of the work session was brought up by District 4 Commissioner Dr. Dan Eichenbaum earlier in the meeting.
Commission Chairman Gary Westmoreland said later in the meeting that a work session to “see what we can do about building utilizations” was fine with him at any time.
Eichenbaum then made the motion toward the end of the meeting to add the work session to the calendar to discuss the “use of public facilities.”
The next regularly-scheduled meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 18, at the county courthouse.
Five arrested for drugs, guns in Cherokee County
News, Police & Government October 25, 2019
Phillip Chambers, 49, of Andrews
ANDREWS, NC – Five people are in jail and thousands of dollars worth of drugs and guns have been taken off the streets of Cherokee County.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer released a statement late Tuesday, Oct. 22, announcing the arrest of five individuals as a result of a continuing investigation.
The investigation has been ongoing into individuals who were reportedly illegally selling controlled substances in Cherokee County.
Phillip Chambers, 49, of Andrews; Dennis Solles, 62, of Robbinsville; Ralph Edward Daily Jr., 42, of Andrews; Tracy Teesateskie Hemphill, 48, of Robbinsville; and Patsy Morgan Deetz, 59, of Andrews were taken into custody late Tuesday for violations of the controlled substances act.
Dennis Solles, 62, of Robbinsville
Chambers has been charged with trafficking in opium or heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and three other charges. He is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center on $201,000 secure bond.
Solles, Daily, and Hemphill have been charged with possession of heroin and are being held in the detention center on $10,000 bond each.
The arrests were made due to a joint operation between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, along with several federal offices.
Ralph Edward Daily Jr., 42, of Andrews
The arrests occurred after the agencies served a search warrant at Chambers’ Andrews residence. During the search of the residence, investigators found trafficking amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, along with multiple guns and ammunition, and a sizable amount of cash.
During the search, a stolen vehicle was also recovered.
Palmer released a statement on the arrest, which follows:
“As you can see, it takes a team to tackle our drug problem here in Cherokee County. We are appreciative of the assistance by Jackson and Macon for providing their SERT, as well as the assistance of our federal partners who we have assigned Task Force Officers to enable us to pursue prosecution at the federal level. This investigation is far from closed and will more than likely spread to other targets, not only here in Cherokee County, but in Western North Carolina and North Georgia as well. We are also appreciative of our community who continues to provide us with valuable information that leads us to these kinds of arrests,” Palmer said.
Tracy Teesateskie Hemphill, 48. of Robbinsville
Patsy Morgan Deetz, 59, of Andrews
Fire contained by Ranger Fire Department
News, Outdoors October 17, 2019
RANGER, NC – The Ranger Volunteer Fire Department, working in concert with state and federal groups, managed to contain a wild fire in the Caney Creek and Hwy. 64 area last weekend.
Before being fully contained, the fire manage to burn across 10 acres, but was contained and ended late Sunday, Oct. 13, evening.
The fire was located in an abandoned subdivision at the end of McClure Road, according to a statement issued by the Ranger Fire Department.
By the time Ranger fire fighters arrived due to reports of dense smoke in the area, roughly three-fourths of an acre was already aflame. With the added wind and dry temperatures, the fire quickly spread to cover a full two acres.
“With the use of Wolf Creek’s six-wheeler, crews were able to get into the dense area,” the statement said.
Additionally, two “Hot Shot” crews from California were quickly called in and were able to assist in getting the fire contained.
By 8:30 p.m., Sunday, roughly 10 acres had burned, but there was no impending structure endangerment in the area.
“The first appeared to have been started by an arcing power box on abandoned property,” the statement said, citing the dryness of the leaves and plants as the reason for the ease at which the fire began.
“Please remember to keep dry leaves and brush cleared away from your home,” the statement concluded. “We want to thank the departments and the crews that were on scene to help keep our community safe.”
Mutual-aid department helping with the fire included crews from the North Carolina Forestry Service and crews from the United State Department of Agriculture Forrest Service.
The statement also included a link to the North Carolina Forest Fire Wise page, which helps homeowners prevent accidental fires. To visit the page, click here.
Panther Top Fire Tower to be open to the public
News, Outdoors, Press Release October 17, 2019
CONCERNING THE PANTHER TOP FIRE TOWER NEAR MURPHY, FROM THE USDA FOREST SERVICE, TUSQUITEE RANGER DISTRICT:
MURPHY, NC – The United State Department of Agriculture Forest Service recently announced that it is opening the Panther Top Fire Tower to the general public for viewing purposes on four upcoming dates.
The tower is normally closed to the public but is often opened during the peak time for viewing the seasonal foliage change.
The tower will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 26 and 27 and Nov. 2 and 3. It was previously announced that the tower would also be open Nov. 5.
The tower is located in Cherokee County, approximately eight miles west of downtown Murphy, N.C., near Hiwassee Lake. The 30-foot tall lookout tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940.
Standing atop a 2,293-foot summit, the Panther Top Fire Tower is the lowest situated lookout tower in western North Carolina, and it is also the most western tower in the state.
The statement also said that other dates may be added depending on weather and leaf-viewing opportunities.
For more information, call the Tusquitee Ranger District Office at 828-837-5152.
Directions to the Panther Top Tower from Murphy:
- Take Hwy. 64 West for approximately seven miles;
- Turn right onto NC 294, then go 0.8 miles to Panther Top Road (SR 1303), and travel for two miles;
- When the road forks and the pavement becomes gravel, take a right and continue on Panther Top Road for another one mile;
- At the top of the hill, turn left; and,
- Continue for approximately one-half mile to the tower.
The Panther Top Fire Tower is located approximately eight miles west of Murphy, N.C.
Shop With a Cop fun run slated for November in Murphy
Community, Konehete Park, Murphy NC October 15, 2019
MURPHY, NC – The inaugural Cherokee County Shop With a Cop 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. in Konehete Park in Murphy.
The Murphy Police Department is headlining the event and is asking for participants and sponsors.
All proceeds from the run run/walk will benefit the Cherokee County Shop with a Cop program, which helps underprivileged children in the county have a chance at a happy Christmas season.
Registration for the event is $25 before Nov. 5, with late registration running from Nov. 4 until 8 a.m. Nov. 23.
Registration costs $30 on race day.
Those who preregister are guaranteed a memorial T-shirt from the event, which is scheduled to take place rain or shine.
Only those who preregister are guaranteed a specific size. For those who register late, or signup for the event on race day, T-shirts will be first-come, first served.
The program is also looking for sponsors, who will be featured on the memorial T-shirt.
To be a gold-level sponsor costs $200 or more. Those sponsors will get a copy of their business card printed on the back of each T-shirt. Silver-level sponsorship costs between $150 and $199 and earns the sponsor a large font name print below the business cards. Bronze-level sponsors – between $100 and $149 – will have their name printed in small font on the bottom of the T-shirt’s back.
For more information on registration or sponsorship, contact Dustin Smith at the Murphy Police Department. He can be reached by phone at 828-557-5191, by e-mail at [email protected], or in person at the Police Department located at 93 Peachtree Street in Murphy.
The department accepts cash or check to pay for registration or sponsorship. Forms may be hand-delivered or mailed to the police department. Mailed registration or sponsorship forms should be paid for by check only.
The registration form for the Cherokee County Shop With a Copy 5K Fun Run/Walk.
The sponsorship form for the Cherokee County Shop With a Copy 5K Fun Run/Walk.
County approves changing road name in Murphy park
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, Community, News October 11, 2019
MURPHY, NC – The county commission approved changing the name of the road running through Konehete Park in Murphy to Veterans Memorial Lane at their Oct. 7 meeting, pending the input of the property owners on the road.
Commissioner Dr. Dan Eichenbaum brought up the issue during comments.
The measure was approved earlier in the evening by the Murphy Town Council and also required the approval of the commission.
According to County Manager Randy Wiggins, there are seven land owners on the street. Those include four private residences, Cherokee County, the Town of Murphy, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Because they would have to change their legal addresses, those land owners are those who have the chance to offer input on the name change.
County Manager Randy Wiggins said he would see if there was any concern with the home owners on the current Konehete Street.
Wiggins said the TVA property was just a substation and would not be an issue.
As to the private owners, “I will get in touch and see if there is an issue,” Wiggins said.
County ordinance requires that such matters be open to a public hearing.
The board approved immediate steps for a public hearing to take place at the Nov. 4 meeting.
Chairman Gary Westmoreland pointed out that, even if there was opposition, the board still had the final approval in the matter.
At Westmoreland’s urging, the board also approved making the new road signs to be placed once the public hearing period was completed.
He cited the Veterans parade scheduled for Nov. 9 as the reason for the expedited process.
OTHER MEETING NOTES:
- The commission board approved spending $1,400 on a metes-and-bounds survey for the new EMS station on Jackson Street. The measure was approved 3-2, with Eichenbaum and McKinnon opposed.
- The liner has been fully installed in the new cells of the county landfill in Marble, according to Wiggins. He is still hopeful that the new cells can begin receiving household trash by Thanksgiving.
- The board voted 3-2 to allow the town of Murphy to install a manual bar screen at the sewer connection between the sewer system and the Cherokee County Detention Center. The bar will cost the county nothing, and will prevent contraband from inside the detention center from entering the town’s water system, according to Murphy Town Manager Chad Simons. Once installed, the bar becomes the property of the county, who will have to see to its maintenance. Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer said it would be no problem to have inmates perform the maintenance.
- The board approved a budget revision to pay $2,000 for the painting, striping, and sealing of the newly paved basketball court in Konehete Park. The court was paved using extra material the county already owned and paved by the volunteer services of Higdon Construction.
The next meeting of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, Nov. 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in Multi-Purpose Room 342 of the county courthouse.
Landfill expansion update provided by Wiggins, Ward
Community, News September 24, 2019
Cherokee County residents should be able to begin using the new cells at the county landfill by Thanksgiving, if conditions cooperate.
Two of those conditions are use and weather. Both can be unpredictable.
County Manager Randy Wiggins gave a landfill construction update to the county commission Sept. 16.
County Manager Randy Wiggins said Monday, Sept. 23, that the new cells at the landfill should begin receiving waste by Thanksgiving.
“Expect Phase 5 Cell 2 completion and permitting before (then),” Wiggins said Monday.
He said as much to the county commission board during their regular meeting Sept. 16.
That time table still holds true a week later, with the lack of rain partly to thank.
County Solid Waste Director Rob Ward said the possibility of weather delaying the project is a real one.
“Weather delays are always possible,” Ward said.
Ward added that layers of clay have to be compacted to exact specifications while running on slopes in order to construct a landfill.
“Thus, the process is vulnerable to erosion delays, if it rains,” he said.
Wiggins also mentioned to the county commission that, should a large load of trash come into the landfill at one time, the current cells could fill up.
Wiggins cited the possibility of two or three homes being demolished or remodeled at the same time, or a similar situation, that could cause the cells to fill up early.
As long as that doesn’t happen, the current cells receiving waste should do the job until Thanksgiving, according to Wiggins.
Once the new cells are able to begin receiving trash, it will still take some time to be done with the project.
“The full construction project is not expected to be complete and fully permitted until January of 2020,” Wiggins said.
The project began more than five years ago, according to Ward. The engineering, planning, and permitting was finally completed in early 2019 and construction site prep began with surveying in April.
The county has budgeted a little more than $3.5 million for the project.
“The county planned ahead for this project and we have reserved fund balance dollars over the years to build a balance of fund dedicated to this project,” Higgins said.
While the figure is high, the cells will be usable for a long time.
“Given that the projected growth rate for Cherokee County is correct, then we should have airspace for over 20 yards after the completion of Phase 5, Cells 1 and 2, in January 2020,” Ward said.
After that, there is still more room on the property to add new cells as needed.
New EMS Station 1 project moving forward
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, News September 19, 2019
MURPHY, NC – The construction of a new EMS Station 1 in Murphy took another step forward Monday night, Sept. 16, at the county commission meeting.
The board hired McGill Associates in the amount of $68,300 for professional engineering services. McGill will handle the conceptual design, surveying, architectural design, engineering design, permitting, and the utility extensions.
District 4’s Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, left, and District 2’s C.B. McKinnon voted against hiring McGill Associates for engineering services on the new EMS Station 1 to be built on Jackson Street.
The motion passed by a 3-2 vote, with District 2’s C.B. McKinnon and District 4’s Dr. Dan Eichenbaum continuing to vote against the project.
In the board’s last monthly meeting, Aug. 19, the board voted build the new station on Jackson Street at the intersection with Peachtree Street using funds remaining from the lantern restoration budget. The piece of land is 0.8 acres and is owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
That measure was also passed by a 3-2 vote, with McKinnon and Eichenbaum voting against.
The building that McGill will provide services for will be 50-foot by 90-foot on the main level, with a 50-foot by 30-foot lower level “like a daylight basement,” County Manager Randy Wiggins told the board Monday.
The lower level will be located beneath the living quarters on the main level, not beneath the concrete slab where the emergency vehicles will park.
The commission board also voted Monday to renew the county’s agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to continue to provide county EMS services.
“None of the terms have changed,” Wiggins said. “They are still very happy and satisfied with the existing terms.”
Chairman Westmoreland said the agreement seemed to be working out well.
“From my understanding, talking to the EMS guys, it’s working out pretty good,” the chairman said.
The motion passed unanimously.
The next Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m., in Multi-Purpose Room 342 of the county courthouse in Murphy.
Cherokee NC County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 04/28 to 05/04
Arrest Reports, News May 14, 2019
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.
Registered sex offender arrested for continued violations of registry
News, Police & Government November 20, 2017
MURPHY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Nov. 16, 2017, arrest of 39-year-old Jason Boyd Parker for violations of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
In June 2017, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was made aware that Parker, a registered sex offender, was not living at his registered address as he was required to do. Following an investigation, which included monitoring of reported address of Parker, it was determined that he was not living at the address that he had reported and had falsified paperwork in conjunction with his failures. The case was presented to the November 2017 Grand Jury who handed down a two-count indictment for failing to notify of a change of address and falsification of forms.
Parker was arrested at his last reported address without incident and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $20,000 unsecured bond and a Dec. 11, 2017 court date.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “This is not the first issue we have had with Parker failing to follow his duties in conjunction with the sex offender registry. Ensuring the safety of our community from offenders is a task that we take very seriously and will continue to work to maintain compliance of those individuals who are required to register for sex offenses.”
Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone 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.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected].
City of Murphy 2017 Election Results: Murphy’s new Mayor is Rick Ramsey!
Community, Politics November 7, 2017
Rick Ramsey is Murphy’s new Mayor!
| TOWN OF MURPHY MAYOR (VOTE FOR 1) Precincts Reported: 1 of 2 |
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| TOWN OF MURPHY COUNCILMAN (VOTE FOR 6) Precincts Reported: 1 of 2 |
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| TOWN OF ANDREWS MAYOR (VOTE FOR 1) Precincts Reported: 2 of 2 |
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| TOWN OF ANDREWS ALDERMAN (VOTE FOR 4) Precincts Reported: 2 of 2 |
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Courthouse construction causes road closure
Community, News December 6, 2017
MURPHY, N.C.- Murphy Police Department announced on Facebook today that beginning tomorrow morning (Dec. 7) at 8:30 a.m., a construction crew will be placing construction materials on the roof of the Cherokee County Courthouse.
During this time, Peachtree St. will be closed from the intersection of Central St. (Cherokee County Courthouse) to Alpine St. (Murphy Power Board/Murphy Police Department).
Barricades and road closure signs will be posted in this area indicating to drivers which way to go.
If all goes as planned, the roadway will be reopened around 11 a.m. when the construction crew and crane are removed from the roadway.
“We are asking everyone to avoid this area during this time unless you have business or work to get to. Thank You,” Police Chief Justin J. Jacobs stated.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected].
Gun found in local park sparks police investigation
Konehete Park, News November 20, 2017
Photos courtesy of Alice Miller
MURPHY, N.C.- The Murphy Police Department is actively investigating after a gun and several other questionable items were found at Konehete Park Saturday morning.
In the morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, Alice Miller, a resident of Cherokee County, North Carolina, came upon five items, which included an unloaded pistol, flash light, cell phone, one boot, and a small case, found abandoned at Konehete Park.
Miller immediately called Murphy Police Department with the findings. Issuing a statement on the incident, Assistant Chief of Police Dustin Smith said:
“MPD Officers notified me of the items found in the park on Saturday. MPD Officer Wooten did attempt to locate the owners of the items and determine the reason for the items being in the park. We have not been able to determine that as of this time. The firearm was not listed in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as a stolen firearm and does not match stolen reports as of now. We will continue to investigate this incident and try to find answers as to why these items were left unattended in the park.”
At this time, MPD does not have a person of interest and have not made any arrests in this case. However, the investigators and law enforcement officers at MPD are working diligently on this case.
“It is important to make sure people are alert and if they see something suspicious to call it in.” Miller wrote in an email regarding the incident. “People should be careful, but not fearful.”
If you have any information regarding this case or any other suspicious activity, please contact Murphy Police Department at 828-837-2214. Continue to check back with us at Fetch Your News for updates on this story and other news in Cherokee County, North Carolina.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected].
Bring Your Coat’s Cherokee County, N.C. Annual Coat Drive
Community November 2, 2017
Murphy, N.C.- Mr. Jim Miller with Jim Miller State Farm, is partnering with Cherokee County ‘Toys for Tots’ program for the annual 2017 Coat Drive. The coats can be new or gently used and go directly to those who are in need in our county. You can bring the coats to numerous locations throughout Cherokee County that has a Coat Drive Box, including the Murphy and Andrews police departments. Donations will be accepted until November 30, 2017.
Georgia fugitive and accomplice arrested
News, Police & Government November 20, 2017
The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office:
MURPHY, N.C.- Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Nov. 16, 2017, arrest of 61-year-old John Zimmerman and 45-year-old Tracey Rebecca Evans, both of Marietta Georgia.
On the morning of Nov. 16, 2016, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a request from the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force to assist in the apprehension and capture of John Zimmerman, who was a wanted fugitive from Cobb County, Georgia, on aggravated assault charges.
During the early afternoon hours, members of the task force and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office went to the Boiling Springs community of Cherokee County where Zimmerman and Evans were encountered in Evans’ vehicle. From all appearances, they were headed from the suspected residence to continue Zimmerman’s flight from justice. Further inside Evans’ vehicle were articles of food and clothing, which belonged to both individuals.
John Zimmerman is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center under no bond. Zimmerman is expected to appear in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Tracey Rebecca Evans was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was released after posting a $5000 secure bond. She is expected to appear in Cherokee County District Court on Nov. 21, 2017.
Sheriff Palmer stated, “We continue to team up to keep Cherokee County a safe place to live.”
Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone 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.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected].
Murphy Man Sentenced to 29 years in Prison for Child Sexual Assualt
Police & Government November 15, 2017
The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office:
Murphy, N.C. — Timothy Russell Rung, 42, of Murphy, pled guilty to Statutory Sexual Offense in Cherokee County Superior Court presided over by the Honorable Gary Gavenus on November 13th, 2017.
In November 2015, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint that Timothy Rung had committed a sexual assault on a minor. Pursuant to that allegation an investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office which involved the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, and the 30th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Judge Gavenus sentenced Rung 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, Rung 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 is some great teamwork 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.
FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and has between 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or visit [email protected].