Early morning raid nabs fugitive

Police & Government

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].

Murphy man charged with threats

Police & Government

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].

Battle of the States: 1st Round Recap

Team FYN Sports

The 24th Annual Battle of the States Christmas Tournament kicked off in Hiawassee, Georgia on Wednesday, Dec 27. The tournament consists of eight boys and eight girls teams, who represent GA, NC, TN, and AL.  There will be eight games a day for all three days of the tournament.

Here are the the first day results from the girls’ side of the bracket:

In the 10am game, Murphy NC beat Lumpkin County Girls by a score of 76-55. Post, Jessica Beckner led the Lady Bulldogs with 24 pts. Lumpkin was led in scoring by Makenzie Pulley, who had 19 pts.

In the 1pm game, Hokes Bluff, Alabama defeated Polk County, TN by a score of 32 – 23. Amanda Noah led Hokes Bluff with 21 pts. Nikki Ball led Polk County with 11 pts.

In the 4pm game, Union County defeated Darlington Academy in a close fought contest.  Union pulled out a 54-52 victory as Darlington missed a game-tying field goal as time expired. Adeline Mockery paced the Lady Panthers with 22 pts. Caroline Dingler led Darlington with 21 pts.

In the 7pm tilt, the Towns County Lady Indians defeated rival, Hayesville, NC by a score of 52-42. Towns County kept the lead the whole first half, taking a 22-19 lead into intermission. The two teams were tied at 26 before Towns County’s press stretched the lead to 43-30 at the end of the third. Towns closed the game with a 10pt victory. Freshman, Kennedi Henson led Towns with 16. Junior, Taylor Cornett gave 9 pts, with a trifecta of long distance shots. Senior Madison McClure had 8 pts, hitting four crucial free throws in the game’s final minutes. Hayesville was led in scoring by Junior, Savanna Annis with 18 pts. Hailea Rickett finished with 17 pts.

Day Two of the Battle of States tournament will feature 4 girls and 4 boys games through the whole day of Thursday, December 28th. The tournament will conclude on Friday, December 29th with 8 more games to determine Battle of the States’ Champions, as well as 2nd through 5th place for Boys and Girls.

Day 2 Schedule (Thursday, Dec. 28)

10 am – Lumpkin County vs Darlington Academy (Girls)

11:30- Piedmont, AL vs Lumpkin County (Boys)

1:00 – Polk County, TN vs Hayesville, NC (Girls)

2:30 – Polk County, TN vs Hayesville, NC (Boys)

4:00 – Union County vs Murphy, NC (Girls)

5:30 – Union County vs Murphy, NC (Boys)

7:00 – Towns County vs Hokes Bluff, AL (Girls)

8:30 –  Towns County vs Hokes Bluff, AL (Boys)

Seven arrested in drug raid

News

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

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.

Elsie Bruce: Obituary

Obituaries

Mrs. Elsie Bruce

January 28, 1928 – October 16, 2018

Mrs. Elsie Bruce, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Ervin Jones and the Late Sarah Trantham Jones. Mrs. Bruce was preceded in death by mother and father, brothers, George Jones and Sherman Jones, sisters, Nora Spurling, Ora Hembree, and Ethel Cross.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Jess) Deaver of Blairsville, GA, and Callie Johnson of Murphy, NC, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Services will be at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 3:00 PM with Rev. Bo Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Town Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Alma Mae Davis: Obituary

Obituaries

Alma Mae Davis

09/14/1921 – 11/04/2018

   Alma Mae Davis, age 97 of Murphy passed away Sunday November 4, 2018 in Etowah, TN. She was born in Cherokee County, NC to the late Goldman and Florence McDonald. She enjoyed playing the piano and was a office manager of a construction company.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Davis Sr.; son, Ralph Davis Jr. and brothers, William and Frederick Young.

She is survived by her son, Roger Davis of Athens, TN; daughter-in-law, Norma Davis; sisters, Wilma Smith, Bernice Geislen, Mary Brown, Thelma Firshing and Marty Zarzaka; 8 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

George J. Menasian: Obituary

Obituaries

George J. Menasian

12/09/1931 – 10/18/2018

George J. Menasian, age 86, of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Murphy Rehab and Nursing.

He was a native of Wayne County, Detroit and the son of the late George Ead Menasian and Pearl Amanda Truett Menasian. George spent his summers in North Carolina with his grandmother, Amanda Truett. He was a member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge # 146 and a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Murphy, NC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, George Edward Menasian; his daughter, Lois Ann McGarry of Bethlehem, PA; his brother, Edward Menasian; his sisters, Mary Menasian of Murphy, NC, Yvonne Toft of Howell Michigan, and Trudy Cusick of Royal Oak, Michigan.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Allison Menasian; his daughters, Linda Marie Cook of Michigan and Laura Jean Miller of Puyallup, Washington; his sisters, Glenna Barcyz of Warren, Michigan, and Sandra Kersey of Williamsburg, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm. Rev. Gerald Derreberry will officiate. Pallbearers will be Dustin Whitener, Ed Menasian, Marc Menasian, Jason Savugot, Michael Savugot, and Kevin Bailey. Burial will be in the Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oxford Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 and the Shady Grove Cemetery Fund, 6 Deweese Street, Murphy, NC.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Pamela Kinnersley Martin: Obituary

Obituaries

Pamela Kinnersley Martin, age 58 of Hayesville, NC passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018 at her residence.

She was born in Cherokee County, NC to the late Rev. Donald Kinnersley, Sr. and Jonnie Kinnersley. Pamela worked for Moog for 38 years. She loved her husband, daughters and grandchildren. Pamela enjoyed listening to gospel music. She was non-denomination; she was a born again Christian.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one sister, Marjorie Kinnersley.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Martin; two daughters, Monica Wayman and husband Stuart and Tonya Raper and husband Christopher; two brothers, Dale Kinnersley, Jr. and wife Marilyn and Jim Kinnersley and wife Jamie; four grandchildren, Ellison Wayman, George Raper, Jack Wayman and Marshall Raper; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at the Bell Scene Baptist Church in Hiawassee, GA at 11 am, Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Rev. Mitchell Martin and Rev. Ralph Barnard will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Tim Kinnersley will conduct graveside service and a eulogy will be given by Nancy Spivey. Pallbearers will be Kevin Kinnersley, Brian Kinnersley, Shane Spivey, Jacob Garner, Josh Swanson and Daniel Moss.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel of Hayesville.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Ashley Annette Weaver: Obituary

Obituaries

Ashley Annette Weaver  |  12/10/1983 – 10/05/2018

   Ashley Annette Weaver, age 34 of Murphy passed away Friday October 5, 2018 at her home. She was the daughter of Rick Barmore and Teresa Millsaps both of Murphy.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her children; Aiden Weaver and Chloe Roe; sister, Crystal Gadd, Brailey Barmore and Tasha Wooten and one nephew, several nieces and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 7PM, Wednesday October 10, 2018 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Freddy Maney will officiate. Pallbearers will be David Taylor, Tommy Taylor, Corey Hancock, Cameron Hancock, Frank Millsaps Jr. and Doug Millsaps. Honorary pallbearers will be Preston Mashburn, Cliff Queen and Glen Maney.

The family will receive friends from 5-7PM, Wednesday October 10, 2018 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.

You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Cherokee NC County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 09/30 to 10/06

Arrest Reports

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.

 

Guain H. Dockery: Obituary

Obituaries

Guain H. Dockery, 95, of Marble passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at her residence. She was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County. Guain retired from Coats America, working in the textile industry for 18 years. She was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble.

 

She was the daughter of the late William Harrison and Rosie Lee Garren Hancock and the wife of the late Rev. Harvey T. Dockery, who died January 7, 2002. She was also preceded in death by a son, Harrison Dockery; three sisters, Wilma Lovingood, Katherine Dockery, and Edna Carroll; and three brothers, Clint, Tommy, and Charles Hancock.

 

Surviving are a daughter, Nadine Lance and husband, Jim of Marble; two sons, Alfred Dockery and wife, Wanda and Danny Dockery and wife, Carolyn, all of Murphy; a daughter-in-law, Joy Dockery of Marble; a sister, Helen Wyke of Marble; nine grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018 in the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marble with the Revs. Ricky Lance, Darrell Dockery, and Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment will be in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Lance, Bryan Dockery, Hunter Lance, Austin Dockery, Zack Dockery, and Benji Roberts. Mark Farmer, Joey Lewis, and all other grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

 

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:45 Saturday afternoon at the Oak Grove Baptist Church prior to the services.

 

The family requests memorials be made in memory of Guain H. Dockery to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Kenneth Ronald Pylant: Obituary

Obituaries

Kenneth Ronald Pylant, 69, of Murphy passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 at his residence. He was born July 24, 1949 in Mountain City, Tennessee. Ron was raised in the north central area of Indiana and lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana before moving to Murphy in 2002. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam as a combat medic. He graduated from Indiana University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics. He was a stockbroker for 23 years, retiring in 2000 as a registered principle, and functioning market manager, analyst, and position trader. Ron was a former member of Friendship Baptist Church and something of a student of the works of George W. Truett.

 

He was the son of the late Andrew Allen and Loretta Walker Pylant.

 

Surviving are a brother, Steven Pylant and wife, Kay and a nephew, Matthew Pylant, all of Leesburg, Indiana.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with the Rev. Dick Stillwell officiating. The interment will be in Friendship Baptist Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ed Crooks, Ron Epple, Dennis Wood, David Burrell, C.B. McKinnon, and Chris Dickey.

 

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 Friday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the services.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Kenneth Ronald Pylant to the Truett Baptist Association, 2235 NC Highway 141, Marble, NC 28905.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Leon Gee: Obituary

Obituaries

Leon Gee, age 85, of Murphy, passed away Friday, September 21, 2018 in an Asheville assisted living facility. He was a native of Union County, Georgia, but had lived most of his life in Murphy.  Leon had served in the United States Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran.  He had worked at Olin-Matheson in Brevard, North Carolina before moving to Murphy in 1965.  Leon had worked as a letter-carrier for the US Postal Service for over 40 years.  He was a member of the Murphy Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and also a member of the Murphy Jaycees.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed working for Jacky Jones Chevrolet. Leon was a member of the Murphy First Baptist Church.

 

He was the son of the late Mack L. and Bertie Cook Gee and husband of the late Peggy A. Gee, who died October 2, 2012.

 

Surviving are two sons, Danny Gee, his wife Barbara, and their daughters, Kristen and Lauren, all of Arden, North Carolina, and Robert Gee, his wife Joy, and their son, Robert, all of Knoxville, Tennessee; and a special daughter, Sonya Cabe and husband Mark of Murphy.

 

The family would like to thank Leon’s dedicated, loving, and kind caregivers,Vivian Allison, the staff of Brookdale Overlook, and Brookdale Walden Ridge.

 

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rev. Aud Brown officiating.  The interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Murphy American Legion Post 96, Hayesville VFW Post 6812, and Hayesville American Legion Post 532. Pallbearers were Danny Gee, Robert F. Gee, Robert M. Gee, Mark Cabe, Melvin Cook, and George Postell.

 

The family received friends from 12:00-1:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 25th at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy prior to the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Leon Gee to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.

 

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

Richard Kenneth Drabek: Obituary

Obituaries

Richard Kenneth Drabek gently slipped away on September 15, 2018 at the age of 80.

Rich enjoyed the Yankees, dancing, computer games, card games, get togethers, and traveling. His love story with his wife was a lasting memory for him. His proudest times were with his family and his 21 years he served in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Additionally, he served 21 years in the US Post Office.

Rich is survived by Eileen, his loving wife of 36 years, one sister, five children: Raymond, Steven, Tina, Deena and Gregory, eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family will have a celebration of life gathering for family and friends on Oct. 20, 2018 from 2:00PM – 4:00PM at Konehete Park, 699 Conahetta Street, Murphy, NC 28906 Pavilion #3 next to baseball field.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Four Seasons Hospice of Murphy, NC.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

Nancy Ann Solesbee: Obituary

Obituaries

Nancy Ann Solesbee, age 73 of Nantahala went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday September 25, 2018.

She was the daughter of the late James and Anna Jean Cross. She was a wonderful homemaker, loving Mother and a member of Briartown Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, Darwin and Samuel Solesbee and brother, Gary Cross.

She is survived by her son, Tim and Jennifer Solesbee; father of the children, Jr. Solesbee; grandchildren, Justin Solesbee and Amy Ortiz and husband Jon; brother Donald Cross and fiancé,Denise Totherow; sister-in-law, Janet Cross; nieces, Lindsay Cross and Maggie Brostic and husband Mark and a special aunt, Betty Shields.

The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm, Saturday September 29, 2018 at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm, Saturday September 29, 2018 at Townson-Rose Chapel in Andrews. Rev. Jack Hollowell will officiate. Pallbearers will be Pearly Owenby, Sidney May, Ronnie Bateman, Jon Ortiz, Kenneth Solesbee and Mitchell Owenby. Burial will be in Aquone Cemetery.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com

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