Absconding Sex Offender Captured

Press Release
Murphy, NC—Sheriff Derrick Palmer reports the December 01, 2021 arrest of convicted sex offender Justin Ryan Barber, a 32 year old male of Murphy North Carolina for Violation of the North Carolina Sex Offender registry as well as multiple charges including theft and failure to appear.
In January 2008, Justin Barber plead guilty of the crime of Incest in Cherokee County Superior Court. In accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes governing the registration of offenders convicted of sexual offenses, Barber registered with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office shortly after the conviction in January 2008. One of the duties that Barber was required by statute to abide by was to notify the registering sheriff of any changes of address.
In January 2021, Barber personally appeared at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and made a change of address indicating that he was residing at a residence on Indian Hills drive, Murphy North Carolina.
In March of 2021, while an investigation was being conducted into the theft of several high value coins, information was made known that Barber was no longer at the residence. Attempts were made to locate Barber in Cherokee County. A warrant was issued for Barber’s arrest for failing to notify his change of address. Additionally, assistance was requested with the United States Marshal Service, and the North Carolina Department of Community Corrections to assist in locating Barber. Additionally, the warrant for Barber’s Failure to Report his address change was entered into NCIC with Nationwide Pickup.
In late October 2021, the detective assigned to the case was notified by the officials in Gennessee County NY that Barber was in their jurisdiction. Once the warrant for arrest was confirmed Barber was incarcerated at the Gennessee County Detention Center.
Barber waived Extradition and Deputies of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office made the trip to Gennessee County NY and returned Barber to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Barber is currently detained at the Cherokee County Detention Center on $145,000.00 secure bond for the following charges: FAIL REPRT NEW ADDRESS-SEX OFF, EXTRADITION/FUGITIVE OTHER STATE, RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER, BREAKING OR ENTERING, FINANCIAL CARD THEFT, BREAK OR ENTER A MOTOR VEHICLE, FAILURE TO APPEAR ON FELONY. Barber has a December 12, 2021 Cherokee County District Court date.
Chief Deputy Joe Wood stated “The Sex Offender Registry is an outstanding tool in keeping track of those who have offendede against victims, both adult and children. As you can see we have recognized for some time that monitoring and administering the Sex Offender Registry in Cherokee County is a large task and have partnered with State and Federal Agencies to ensure outcomes like with Barber, who not only is suspect in violations of the Sex Offender Registry but is suspect in several other crimes, not only in Cherokee County and Western North Carolina but out of state as well. Outstanding work by all involved.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].

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