Breaking News
?>
Cherokee Co N.C.
FYN TV Sunday Edition Chamber Cherokee NC Schools TeamFYNSports
Home / Murphy Police Department

Three Million Dollars Worth of Processed Marijuana Seized

Featured Stories, Press Release December 9, 2021 , by
In the early morning hours of Thursday, December 9, 2021, the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) responded to a domestic violence call at Harrah’s Valley River Casino. Upon arrival CIPD Patrol Officer Christopher Harris spoke with a male and female subject on foot near the casino and the casino hotel entrance. After speaking with both parties, Officer Harris determined an assault occurred and Brandon Thomas Jones, a 27-year-old male from Ten Mile, TN was charged with assault on a female, possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.
When the female’s ride arrived, it was a U-Haul truck bearing a North Carolina (NC) issued Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) license plate. Officer Harris asked the driver about the license plate and after a brief conversation, the driver gave consent to search the vehicle. Additional Officers arrived on scene to assist with the search, where they located multiple loaded syringes, two firearms and over 900 pounds of processed marijuana. Daniel Jerry Wiggins, a 28 year old male, from Ten Mile, TN was charged with Trafficking a controlled substance, and displaying a fictitious tag.
The street value of the processed marijuana seized is approximately three million dollars.
Chief of Police Josh Taylor stated “ our Snowbird/ Murphy Division has been applying intense pressure to local law breakers on a daily basis. They work under staffed every day, yet come up big for us, producing great police work!” CIPD’s Narcotics great response time and teamwork is greatly appreciated as well as the assistance from the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office and the Murphy Police Department. Sergeant Jeremy Spencer is leading a great team and he is setting the example of great front line leadership! One team one fight!”
Additional charges are pending. The above named defendants have only been charged at this time and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Supplier of Drug Network is Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Press Release November 5, 2021 , by
Acting Unites States Attorney William T. Setzer
Western District of North Carolina
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lia Bantavani
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021 704-338-3140
SUPPLIER OF DRUG NETWORK IS SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN PRISON
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The supplier of a local drug network has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, announced William T. Stetzer, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Matthew Wondra, 34, of Murphy, N.C., was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison.
According to court documents and yesterday’s sentencing hearing, in September 2018, law enforcement became aware that Wondra was operating as a supplier for a local drug network in Cherokee and Graham Counties and elsewhere. Court records show that Wondra frequently traveled to Georgia to purchase kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and heroin, which he then distributed to dealers in Western North Carolina. Throughout the investigation, Wondra engaged in multiple drug transactions, and at times possessed firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activities. On one occasion, Wondra put a gun to the head of a person he accused of stealing drug proceeds from him during the course of the conspiracy and he threatened to kill that person. According to filed documents, from September 2018 to August 2019, Wondra was responsible for purchasing and distributing more than 19 kilograms of methamphetamine and over three kilograms of heroin.
On October 30, 2020, Wondra pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. At yesterday’s court hearing, Wondra received sentencing enhancements for weapons possession, making a credible threat, maintaining a premises for the purpose of storing and distributing controlled substances, and for his leadership role during the drug conspiracy.
Wondra’s co-defendants, Jamie Allen and Derek Wilson, were previously sentenced to 10 years and 4.25 years in prison, respectively, for their role in the conspiracy.
In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Stetzer thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Asheville Post of Duty; the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; the Swain County Sheriff’s Office; the Graham County Sheriff’s Office; the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office; the Cherokee Indian Police Department; the Murphy Police Department; and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, prosecuted the case.

Arrest made in stabbing and stolen vehicle incident

News, Press Release April 21, 2021 , by
April 21, 2021 – At approximately 3:23 pm, on April 20th, the Cherokee County E-911 Communications Center received a phone call in reference to a stolen vehicle that was taken from a business on Tennessee St. While the victim’s report was being taken, the stolen vehicle was located nearby, along with the suspect, Mr. Isaiah Zavier Nelson. During this time, an altercation occurred with the suspect and one of the workers of the initial stolen vehicle’s owner.
The male victim (name withheld for privacy reasons) was stabbed multiple times, treated by the Cherokee County Medics, and airlifted shortly thereafter. During this time, the suspect fled the area on foot after leaving the stolen motor vehicle behind. After searching the area, and many businesses, he was finally located.
Mr. Nelson was arrested without incident on Andrews Rd. at 4:17 pm. He was charged with Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and Going Armed to the Terror of the Public. He is currently being held at the Cherokee County Detention under a $25,000.00 secure bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for April 29th, 2021, at 9:00 am. However, additional charges may be pending in the near future.
As of this morning, the victim had undergone surgery last night. After calling Erlanger in Chattanooga multiple times this morning, we have yet to hear back regarding his status.
While this incident was occurring, many activities, including sporting events, were taking place in Conaheeta Park. This is where the stabbing occurred. This information was being passed along to various staff members and other parties that were on scene at these events.
Due to the nature of this investigation, this is the only information that can be released as this time. As the investigation continues, more information will be released to the public.
The Murphy Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (Administrative Division)
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (Criminal Investigation Division)
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (Patrol Division)
Cherokee County Detention Center
Cherokee County E-911 Communications
Cherokee County Magistrate’s Office
Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office
Cherokee County Medics
LIFE FORCE Air Medical

Murphy man charged with murder of an infant

News, Police & Government, Press Release March 11, 2020 , by
child murder

MURPHY, N.C. – Murphy Police Department arrested Morgan Jemar Kimble for the murder of an infant on March 11.

Kimble is the father of the infant and is being held on a $1 million bond.

The original press release is below:

On March 8th, 2020, at around 9:00 am, Cherokee County E-911 Dispatch Center received a 911 call in reference to an unknown problem with a minor child in the Cool Springs community of Murphy, North Carolina. Cherokee County Paramedics, along with Murphy Police Department, responded to the scene. Cherokee County E-911 Dispatch Center was able to ascertain that the child had a head injury. The minor child was airlifted to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, where the child was later pronounced deceased as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

On March 11th, 2020, Mr. Morgan Jemar Kimble, DOB: 08/01/1991, was arrested in Murphy, North Carolina and charged with Murder. Mr. Kimble is the father of the minor child. Mr. Kimble was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center and is currently under a one million dollar secure bond. Mr. Kimble has an initial court appearance date of May 5th, 2020.

This case is still an active investigation and due to the nature of the investigation, there will be no further press releases at this time.

Thank You, Assistant Chief Dustin D. Smith.

Please remember everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Drug bust in Murphy, N.C.

BREAKING NEWS April 18, 2019 , by

MURPHY, N.C. – In a Press Release received by FYN late this afternoon, Murphy Police Department announced the arrest of Brian John Majercik and Leslie Marie Cartwright in a drug bust at the Murphy’s Day’s Inn. Bond set at $500,000.

Official Press Release

Location: Days Inn, Hwy. 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906

Defendant #1: Brian John Majercik

Defendant #2: Leslie Marie Cartwright

Date of Incident: April 15th, 2019

Time of Incident: 11:58 am

Agencies Involved: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center, Cherokee County EMS,

Cherokee County Magistrate’s Office, Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, Murphy Police Department

On April 15th, 2019, at approximately 11:58 am, the Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center received a call in reference to an unknown problem occurring at the Days Inn, located at 754 Hwy. 64 West here in Murphy. Upon the information given, the Telecommunicator was able to determine that a heroin overdose had occurred according to the information given by the reporting party at the time. After arriving on scene, Cherokee County EMS was able to assist in the recovery of the person who had overdosed, Mr. Brian John Majercik.

Upon Patrol Officer Brandon R. Morgan arriving on scene to assist, shortly thereafter joined by Assistant Chief Dustin D. Smith and Patrol Sgt. T. Ryan Cunningham, consent was given by the other party involved, Ms. Leslie Marie Cartwright, for a search of the room and their motor vehicle. During this time a large amount of Methamphetamine and Marijuana was located.

Ms. Cartwright was then placed under arrest for her various offenses and their motor vehicle, a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was towed from the area.

Mr. Majercik was transported by ambulance to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital for treatment. However, Mr. Majercik was arrested later the same afternoon at a residence in the Dogwood Estates area after being released from the hospital.

On April 16th, 2019, a search warrant was executed on the defendant’s motor vehicle listed above that had been stored at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. In total, 939 grams of Methamphetamine and 165 grams of Marijuana was seized, as well as other drug related paraphernalia.

Mr. Majercik was charged with the following offenses: Traffic In Methamphetamine (2 Counts), Possess With Intent To Manufacture, Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine, Maintain Place Controlled Substance and Possess With Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Marijuana.

FetchYourNews.com attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month for ad server. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 to 60,000 per week Facebook page reach. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email [email protected].

Murphy Police Department conducted a Traffic Enforcement Detail

Police & Government March 16, 2017 , by
crash victims

The following press release has been issued by the Town of Murphy Police Department.

On Friday, March 10th, 2017 between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, the Murphy Police Department, in partnership with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (Troop G), conducted a traffic enforcement detail within the town limits of Murphy and its outskirts. The purpose of this detail was to place emphasis on Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Enforcement and Inspections. Based on statistical crash data collected by the Cloverlab, US Highway 19 and US Highway 64 were identified as two of the Commercial Motor Vehicle high crash corridors for Troop G.  One of the NCSHP Specialty Units assisting with this detail is the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP).

During this detail, we had a total of 15 NCSHP Troopers from various counties across Western North Carolina and 3 MPD Officers participating in this assignment. One of the things that stood out during this detail was when one individual that was issued a North Carolina Uniform Citation for Speeding by an MPD Officer, had already received one from the NCSHP just minutes earlier. We look forwarding to hosting this Enforcement Detail again in the future with the NCSHP. I would personally like to thank First Sgt. Fairchild, Sgt. Dills and Sgt. Williams, as well as all the assisting Troopers and MPD Officers that assisted with this assignment. I have listed below the enforcement actions taken by the NCSHP and MPD.

Here are the following enforcement actions taken by the Highway Patrol:
20 Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections were conducted.
53 Total Commercial Motor Vehicle Violations were detected.
12 Commercial Motor Vehicles were placed Out of Service.
50 North Carolina Uniform Citations were issued (Various).
23 North Carolina Highway Patrol Warning Citations were issued.

Here are the following enforcement actions taken by MPD:
4 North Carolina Uniform Citations were issued (Speeding).
1 North Carolina Uniform Citation were issued (Unsafe Movement).
3 Verbal Warnings (Various).

Here are some safety links for operating safely around large trucks and buses:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/tips-driving-safely-around-large-trucks-or-buses
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/campaign-assets

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions, comments or concerns.

Thank You,
Justin J. Jacobs
Chief of Police

Vandalism of the River Walk area in Murphy

Press Release April 6, 2018 , by

Around March of this year the Murphy Police Department learned through social media that the River Walk area in Murphy had been vandalized. The vandalism took place around the Leech Place area of the River Walk. The Murphy Police Department started an investigating of incident and also utilized extra foot patrols on the River Walk area. During the investigation Officers identified several suspects. Officers determined the suspects to be juvenile’s. Officers conducted several interviews in this case and this case is still ongoing. The disposition of this case is still pending but due to the suspects being juvenile’s there will be no further press release on this case. The juvenile suspect’s are cooperating with law enforcement in this case.

The River Walk area is a beautiful area and a great asset for our community, we along with our community take pride in the River Walk. We ask the public to assist us in taking care of the area, by notifying the Murphy Police Department of suspicious activity in this area or any area as soon as possible.

The Murphy Police Department would like to thank the workers of the River Walk for their hard and dedicated work so we, the community can enjoy it.

 

Dustin D. Smith
Assistant Chief of Police
Murphy Police Department
93 Peachtree St.
Murphy, NC 28906
(O) (828) 837-2214
(F) (828) 837-2002
www.murphypolice.com

Convicted felon arrested for drugs and guns

News, Press Release December 19, 2017 , by

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].

Tennessee fugitive arrested following chase

Police & Government April 27, 2018 , by

MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 25, 2018, arrest of Mason Kelly Nykolajcuyk, a 26-year-old Bradley County, Tennessee, fugitive who was captured following a lengthy chase in and around Murphy, North Carolina, during the noon-time hour.

A little after 11:30 a.m. April 25, 2018, Lt. Wood with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division spotted a vehicle matching the description of a wanted vehicle, which had been involved in an incident in Polk County, Tennessee, the previous day during which a Polk County Deputy was stabbed. At the time, the vehicle was just west of Murphy on U.S. Hwy. 64 and headed west.

As Lt. Wood began following the vehicle to make an investigative stop, the vehicle pulled off the side of the road and then fled back east. During the chase, the vehicle reached speeds above 80 mph often times in crowded business areas as well as in residential areas, which included an elementary school. Additionally, the driver was driving erratically, which included driving in the east bound lane of U.S. Hwy. 19 near the Murphy High School into oncoming traffic, and at times almost struck pedestrians in the area as well as striking two law enforcement vehicles and attempting to strike other law enforcement vehicles.

At one point in the chase, a unit from Murphy Police Department set up and deployed stop sticks, which damaged one or two of the vehicle’s tires; however, Nykolajcuyk continued his high speed flight. Shortly after Nykolajcuyk entered a small two-lane road in the Texana Community of Cherokee County, Lt. Wood was able to utilize a pit maneuver to disable the vehicle, at which time Nykolajcuyk was captured.

Nykolajcuyk is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Nykolajcuyk is charged with Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Felony Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vechile. Nykolajcuyk is currently under a $100,000 secure bond and has a hold placed on him for pending out of state charges.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Outstanding work and cooperation bringing a very dangerous situation to a safe closure. We appreciate the cooperation of Murphy Police Department.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].

Back to Top