Cherokee County E-911 Communications overrun with calls
Community, News February 8, 2020
Murphy, Nc. – Road conditions and the continued snowfall is putting a strain on Cherokee County E-911 Communications.
With roadways already wet before the thick snow fell, ice has formed in areas causing driving conditions to be hazardous. Many roadways are impassable due to these conditions, and there are reports of roadways being closed due to stranded vehicles.
Cherokee County E-911 Communications tells the public in a statement, “The center is inundated with calls from motorists traveling on the ice/snow covered roadways.”
Residents and travelers are urged to call the county’s non-emergency line at 828-835-3144 if they are need of assistance but it is not an emergency. E-911 Communications does say that non-emergency calls will be addressed in the order they are received, and to expect to be placed on hold while personnel handles “true emergencies”.
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency do call 911.
Cherokee County E-911 Communications released the following information for those needing assistance:
If you have a Life Threatening Emergency dial 911.
If you need road condition information dial 511 from a cell phone, (877) 511-4662 from outside North Carolina or visit www.ncdot.gov.
If you do not have an emergency and need to contact the NC Highway Patrol State Highway Patrol main office number: (919) 733-7952.
Motorists traveling through the state who need assistance may dial *47 which is *HP on a cellular phone.
Like emergency personnel in neighboring counties, Cherokee County Emergency Services are asking all residents to remain at home unless absolutely necessary to travel. They are also asking residents to please stay off roadways while crews respond to emergencies and work to clear the roads.
FYN will bring you weather updates throughout the day.
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Cherokee County Sheriff’s office warns of Possible Police Impersonator
News March 5, 2019
Murphy, NC The Cherokee County Sheriff’s office states it has received reports of a white 2019 Ford Explorer with a regular car tag on it operating blue lights that has been stopping individuals in the Cherokee County Area. They do not have a vehicle as described above. If you should encounter that particular vehicle please contact Cherokee County Emergency Communications at 828-835-3144 so that they can determine if this an official vehicle or an impostor (blue light bandit).
If for some reason an unmarked car attempts to stop you in an area that you feel unsafe please call 911 and find a safe area to stop until such time as they can ensure the stop is legitimate.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: LOCAL MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIME
Arrest Reports, Police & Government December 17, 2018
CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 17, 2018
For more information call 828.837.2589
LOCAL MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIME
Murphy, NC— On December 04th, 2018 Barry Wade Allen, of Murphy North Carolina was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum term of 17 months to a maximum term of 35 months with 427 days credit for his plea of guilty to the charge of Indecent Liberties with a Child announced Sheriff Derrick Palmer of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Superior Court Judge William H. Coward ordered Allen to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years and to have no contact with the victim for a lifetime. In June of 2017 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of suspected sexual assault committed by Allen. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center.
The case was presented to the Grand Jury which met in July 2017 who returned true bills of indictment for Statutory Sex Offense with a Child greater than 13 years of age and defendant 6 years or more older, and Indecent Liberties with a Child.
Barry Wade Allen
Allen fled from Cherokee County prior to the true bills being issued. The United States Marshal Fugitive Apprehension Unit assisted in locating and apprehending Allen in Louisiana during the last week of September 2017. Allen waived extradition and returned to Cherokee
County.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “These are difficult and trying cases on all concerned. This is an excellent example of how working as a team involving HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, the District Attorney’s Office and utilizing our Federal partners helped bring this case to court.”
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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Featured November 29, 2018
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Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIME
Arrest Reports, Police & Government December 17, 2018
CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 17, 2018
For more information call 828.837.2589
MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIME
Murphy, NC— On December 04th, 2018 ,Robert J Tyndell, of Murphy North Carolina was sentenced to 2 terms of imprisonment of a minimum term of 13 months to a maximum term of 25 months with 745 days credit to be applied to the second sentence for his plea of guilty to the 2 charges of Indecent Liberties with a Child announced Sheriff Derrick Palmer of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Superior Court Judge William H. Coward ordered Tyndell to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years and to have no contact with the victim for a lifetime.
Robert J Tyndell,
In July of 2016 the Macon County Department of Social Services opened an investigation and reported to the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office allegations that Tyndell had sexually assaulted a child under the age of 12 at a Murphy North Carolina address. The initial disclosure was in Macon County North Carolina. The joint investigation was assisted by Kids Place Child Advocacy Center in Franklin North Carolina.
The investigation was presented to the November 14th, 2016 setting of the Cherokee County Grand Jury which handed down Indictments for Statutory First Degree Sex Offense of a Child, and two counts of Indecent Liberties with a child.
Tyndell was arrested at his Murphy North Carolina residence and incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Again we see how utilizing all our resources several agencies worked together helped to bring this case to court.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Cherokee NC Sheriff Office Arrests Man for Sexual Assault of a Minor
Arrest Reports, News, Police & Government November 6, 2018
CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, November 05, 2018 For more information call 828.837.2589
MURPHY MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the October 30th, 2018 arrest of Harry James Verner, a 18 year old Murphy North Carolina man for charges stemming from the sexual assault of a minor.
On or about October 15th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a young child had been sexually assault on or about October 13th, 2018 at a residence in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Cherokee County North Carolina. Pursuant to that information an investigation was conducted in which Verner was identified as the suspect which lead to his October 30th, 2018 arrest.
Harry James Verner is currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center for First Degree Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child and Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child. Verner’s secure bond is currently $200,000.00. Verner currently has November 08th, 2018 District Court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “We thank the Cherokee County Schools, and the District Attorney’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation. These are difficult cases for all concerned. Because of the age of the victim and the nature of the crime there will be no further press releases from this office.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 07/29 to 08/04
Arrest Reports August 6, 2018
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.
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 07/15 to 07/21
Arrest Reports July 23, 2018
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.
Cherokee County Inmate Dies After Arrest
Police & Government July 18, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with the investigation into the death of a Cherokee County Inmate several hours after his arrest.
Around 5 pm, July 11th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Wolf Creek community of Cherokee County to investigate an individual that was acting irrational. When deputies responded to the scene they arrested 30 year old Joshua Shane Long for Resisting Public Officer, Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Long was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $1000.00 secure bond. Long was processed and placed in a cell. Information found during the arrest of Long showed that he had a Blairsville Georgia address.
Shortly after 11 pm, July 11th, 2018 Long was found unresponsive in his cell and Detention Staff began life saving measures. Detention Staff also notified Cherokee County Emergency Communications who summoned Cherokee County EMS who later transported Long to a Life Flight Air Ambulance. Long was flown to a Tennessee Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased. We are cooperating fully with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and will continue to do so until we know how this happened.”
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 06/17 to 06/23
Arrest Reports June 25, 2018
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.
Ex Detention Officer and Inmate Charged
Press Release June 15, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 7th, 2018 arrest of 48 year old Kathy Carlene Leitner, and 42 year old Barry Wade Allen, both of Murphy North Carolina on charges involving the possession of a mobile phone in a detention facility.
On or about April 24th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into allegations that previous Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Kathy Leitner had brought a mobile phone into the Detention Facility and had given it to incarcerated inmate Barry Wade Allen.
During the investigation information became known that Leitner and Allen had become involved in an inappropriate relationship which included several voice calls and letters exchanged between the two. Sometime during the months of January to April 2018 Leitner brought a mobile phone into the detention facility and gave it to Allen. Additionally, information became known that Leitner had conveyed a message to Allen from another inmate in which Allen was to harm a third inmate. At the time of the allegations Allen is charged with Child Sexual assaults. This information was presented to the June 4th. 2018 Grand Jury who handed down indictments on both Leitner and Allen. Kathy Leitner was arrested on June 7, 2018 and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate who set a $15,000.00 secure bond. She is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Barry Wade Allen, is currently in the Macon County Detention Center was served on July 07th, 2018 and given additional bond. Both Allen and Leitner were also given conditions of bond to have no contact with each other until after the matter is settled in court. Both are expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “This conduct can never be tolerated and will not be. We strive to maintain high standards of professionalism.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Registered Sex Offender Charged with New Child Sex Offenses
Press Release June 15, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 6th, 2018 arrest of Ricardo Gamez Dockery, a 37 year old Murphy North Carolina man for a sexual assaults on children.
On or about May 07th, 2018 a report of suspected child sexual assault was taken by a deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office which involved acts reportedly committed during the month of April 2018. Pursuant to that report an investigation was undertaken.
As the investigation was conducted the services of HAVEN CAC, and contracted Department of Social Services Investigators were utilized to further the investigation. The information from HAVEN CAC, the contracted DSS Investigators along with other information gathered during the investigation was presented to the June 4th, 2018 grand jury which returned true bills of indictment for Statutory Sexual Offense with a Child by an Adult and three counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child.
Ricardo Gamez Dockery was arrested at his residence in Clay County North Carolina where he had moved once the allegations were made. Dockery was taken before the North Carolina Magistrate where he is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $560,000.00 secure bond. Dockery is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Ricardo Gamez Dockery is currently a registered sex offender on the North Carolina Registry. Dockery was convicted of four counts of Indecent Liberties with a Minor in January of 2008.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “We can not over stress the importance of the team concept in these terrible investigations. This further reinforces the need for continued monitoring of sex offenders.”
Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victims no further information will be released concerning this incident.
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Sex Offender Arrested for Failing to Report New Address
Press Release June 13, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the May 31st, 2018 arrest of Michael Anthony Cantrell, a 31 year old Murphy North Carolina for violation of the sex offender registry.
During the month of May 2018 deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were making verification checks of individuals that are currently registered on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry and living in Cherokee County North Carolina. During the checks information became known that Michael Anthony Cantrell was no longer living at his registered address which had been in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Cherokee County. Deputies began a search and we able to locate Cantrell at a new residence in the town of Murphy. Cantrell was arrested and confined in the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Cantrell has made a $10,000.00 secure bond and is scheduled to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 12th. 2018.
Michael Cantrell was convicted in Cherokee County Superior Court in December of 2011 of two counts of Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (being in possession of child exploitation images or videos commonly referred to as child pornography).
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Excellent team work in bringing Cantrell back in compliance. This is part of the reason we enlist the help of our community to help ensure these individuals maintain their responsibilities pertaining to the Sex Offender Registry.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Jail assault at Cherokee County Detention Center
Press Release June 1, 2018MURPHY, N.C. – On May 2, 2018, an incident occurred at the Cherokee County Detention Center. The incident regarded an allegation of two detention officers involved in an assault of a federal inmate George Victor Stokes, who was sentenced and awaiting transport to federal prison. The detention officers involved were identified as Wesley Gage Killian, a part-time employee, and Sgt. Josh Gunter.
As the incident was brought to Sheriff Derrick Palmer’s attention, he requested Lt. Joe Wood, of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Division, to conduct an internal investigation of the detention officers named. Upon conducting interviews and reviewing available physical evidence, Lt. Wood reported back to Sheriff Palmer his preliminary findings. Sheriff Palmer, upon recommendation of Lt. Wood, suspended the two detention officers pending the completion of the internal investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation, Sheriff Palmer then terminated the detention officers due to violation of department policy and procedure as regarding the treatment of inmates. The unlawful assault of an inmate is a violation of Cherokee County Detention Center Policy and Procedure.
Sheriff Palmer made immediate contact with the District Attorney Ashley Welch. Upon conversation with the district attorney, it was agreed that a joint request should be made to the state Bureau of Investigation by both the District Attorney’s Office and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to have a criminal investigation conducted regarding the conduct of the two detention officers. The request was then made and accepted by the state Bureau of Investigation.
Due to the fact that Stokes was a federal inmate being housed at the Cherokee County Detention Center, the U.S. Marshall’s Office was notified of the incident. The state Bureau of Investigation assigned an agent to investigate the matter. All evidence gained, including detention center video surveillance, interviews, statements and reports obtained in the internal investigation conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was turned over to the state Bureau of Investigation as part of their ongoing criminal investigation. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with the state Bureau of Investigations and the District Attorney’s Office in full cooperation until this matter is to a resolution.
Andrews man arrested for sexual assault of a minor
Press Release May 30, 2018
MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the May 25, 2018, arrest of 33-year-old Ryan Alexander Hamilton, of Andrews, North Carolina, for charges stemming from a sexual assault investigation.
Following a May 5, 2018, report of a sexual assault of a minor female child committed in the town of Andrews, North Carolina, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation, which included the assistance of the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center. From that investigation, Hamilton was identified as a suspect in the case. Information gathered during the investigation was presented to the North Carolina Magistrate, who issued warrants for the arrest of Hamilton.
Ryan Alexander Hamilton was arrested at his residence without incident. He was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where the magistrate set a $10,000 secure bond for the charges of sexual battery and assault on a female. Hamilton is currently incarcerated at the detention center awaiting a June 12, 2018, District Court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “We want to reach out and thank the staff of HAVEN for their invaluable assistance they provide, not only in this particular case, but in all the cases involving our youth!”
To report suspicious activity or suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 04/29 to 05/05
Arrest Reports May 7, 2018
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.
