Sheriff’s Office investigates shooting in Topton
Police & Government May 2, 2018MURPHY, N.C. — Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated that shortly after 7:30 a.m. May 1, 2018, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call for assistance at a residence on Bryson Branch Road, in the Topton community of Cherokee County. The nature of the call was a possible domestic situation.
As units were responding to the scene, information was provided that someone may have been shot at the residence. Emergency Services personnel were dispatched and staged until units from the Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene. Once on scene, the arriving deputy was able to determine that a 39-year-old male had been shot and required medical attention.
EMS arrived and transported the individual to a location where he was later flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. His condition is unknown at this time.
The investigation continued late into the afternoon, as several individuals were interviewed and search warrants were completed at the residence. The investigation is continuing and ongoing, and when complete, it will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for further review.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “At this time, I will not comment further concerning this investigation as it is ongoing. I can say that we are not looking for any additional person(s) of interest in this case. The teamwork displayed today between law enforcement and Emergency Services is outstanding, and we appreciate the level of professionalism displayed by all today. As always, these are difficult cases on everyone involved.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 04/22 to 04/28
Arrest Reports April 30, 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.
6 Charged in Federal Case
Police & Government April 11, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced following a 2-year investigation 6 individuals were charged on federal indictments for the illegal possession and distribution of controlled substances in Cherokee County.
In early 2016 Detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit received information regarding the Trafficking of Methamphetamine into Cherokee County from the Metro Atlanta Area. Detectives initiated an investigation into the source of the Methamphetamine being brought into Cherokee County. During the course of the investigation Detectives conducted numerous hours of surveillance, undercover purchases of Methamphetamine, multiple interviews and traffic stops resulting in multiple seizures of Methamphetamine. It was later determined during the course of the investigation that the contact for this source of Methamphetamine was an inmate in the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Detectives from the Cherokee County Narcotics Unit began a joint investigation with agents from the Georgia Department of Corrections, the GBI, FBI, DEA and the US Attorney’s Office. As a result of that investigation six federal indictments were issued for Conspiracy to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine and for the Sale and Delivery of Methamphetamine for the following persons:
Glen McTaggart (confined Georgia Prison)
Dale Hamilton Dutto (confined Georgia Prison)
Isaac Daniel Hughes (not yet arrested)
Carla Blair Lloyd (currently being held)
Candice Brooke Cole (currently being held)
James Donald Taylor (currently being held)
McTaggart and Dutto are currently incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Corrections, federal detainers have been issued for both. Taylor and Cole are currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center on other charges, federal detainers have been issued for both. Lloyd was taken into federal custody and is being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center for the US Marshals. Hughes is currently at large.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Again, these investigations are completed over night. This is a push in the right direction as we continue our war against drugs!”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 03/11 to 03/17
Arrest Reports March 19, 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 03/04 to 03/10
Arrest Reports March 12, 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 02/18 to 02/24
Arrest Reports February 26, 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.
Murphy Lady Bulldogs break Cherokee’s 30-game streak
Murphy Bulldogs, Team FYN Sports January 28, 2018
The Murphy Lady Bulldogs have been nothing short of legendary this season, but that’s nothing new for them. Last year the varsity girls went 26-2, falling by only one point in the Elite 8 to the eventual state champions.
“I couldn’t ask for a better team. They work extremely hard and do everything asked of them,” Murphy head coach Ray Gutierrez told TeamFYNSports last week. This week was no exception.
The Lady Bulldogs (18-1, 7-0) kicked last week off with a 52-32 win on the road at Hayesville, followed by a 74-26 road win over Andrews.
Jessica Beckner (15) pulls in a tough rebound while Sydni Addison (35) and Bri Moore (10) assist defensively in a game earlier this season. Photo by Jenni Dixon, TeamFYNSports.
Sydni Addison, the ball hawk of the night, had seven steals on defense, scored six points and pulled in seven rebounds.
How do you beat two great wins on the road? You turn around and win two big games back-to-back at home.
How do you beat a 19-90 road win over Nantahala (Topton, NC)? You hold them under 10 points of offense.
On Friday, Nantahala took a rough road trip down to Murphy only to leave with their lowest offensive performance of the season. The Lady Bulldogs (wo)man-handled the Lady Hawks, coming away with a 77-8 home win, their 17th team victory of the season. They knew Saturday night’s game would be a true test.
Following the huge win over Nantahala, the Braves of Cherokee High (then 10-4, 7-0), came to Murphy for the matchup the entire state of North Carolina has been waiting to see.
“Cherokee had won 30 straight regular season conference games,” coach Gutierrez said of their opponent. “The gym was packed and both teams played their guts out. It was a great atmosphere for a basketball game.”
The first quarter was a close one – much closer than many of the games Murphy has played this season – with the Lady Bulldogs holding only a 4-point margin over the Braves, 18-14. The Lady Bulldogs, who average more than 60-points per game, were hitting their usual offensive numbers; but the Braves’ offense was up to the task early-on, making this game a true challenge for Murphy.
The ability of the Murphy Lady Bulldogs’ defense to collapse on the ball and apply pressure for four full quarters of basketball is a large part of their success this season. Photo by Jenni Dixon, TeamFYNSports.
By halftime, Murphy had extended their lead by only one point. Trailing by five (43-38), the Braves were still in a dangerous position and neither team was a sure victor. Sharpshooters Clapsaddle and Pickens refused to leave the game in anyone’s hands other than their own. The two combined for 8-of-11 3-point attempts, combining for 31% of the total points for the Lady Bulldogs.
In the end, the Lady Bulldogs held on to defeat the Cherokee Braves 77-74, giving the Braves their first conference loss of the season (breaking a 30-game streak).
Clapsaddle scored 30 points, while Pickens had 14. Beckner scored 12 points in the game while Thompson scored nine points, Bri Moore had six, Martin scored four points and Addison scored a basket for two. Addison led the team with rebounds (8), while Beckner also pulled in eight boards, three offensively and five on defense.
Andrews woman arrested for falsely reporting crimes
Press Release January 24, 2018
MURPHY, N.C.— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Jan. 16, 2018, arrest of 28-year-old Samantha Carol Head, of Andrews, North Carolina, for falsely reporting crimes.
On Jan. 14, 2018, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation of a female who during the past two years had been calling the administrative phone lines at the 911 center and falsely reporting an array of crimes. The reports included vehicle accidents, fights, and breaking and entering in progress. Head was identified as the calling party, and it was later determined that she was using an Android phone application on her phone to disguise her number.
Head was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was booked on 19 counts of falsely reporting an incident. Head was released on a $10,000 unsecure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court Feb. 26, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “This type of crime might appear insignificant, but in reality, could have some serious implications. Not only does this tie up our communicators who may be needed on real emergencies, it also ties up law enforcement and other public safety agencies whose services may be needed to attend to serious life-threatening situations.”
To report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Benton MacKaye Trail Association Press Release
Community December 6, 2017
PRESS RELEASE:
The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) is seeking volunteers to help with trail maintenance for an upcoming work trip.
According to Barry Allen, Georgia work trip coordinator for the BMTA, a work trip is planned for Saturday, Dec. 9, on a section of trail near Fall Branch Falls in Fannin County. This month’s Georgia work trip will focus on completing the re-route at Fall Branch Falls. Allen stated there are a few more steps needing to be installed, which will require hauling timbers, along with a 50-foot section of trail to dig. Also, a number of water diversions just upstream from the falls will be put in place.
Allen hopes to have work completed for the day around lunchtime and mentioned he would bring his grill with him if the weather is nice to grill some burgers and brats for a post-work lunch.
All work trip participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeve pants and shirts, work gloves and, for cold-weather trips, multiple thin layers that can be easily shed one at a time. Also, a daypack for storing food, water or other items is always a good idea for work trips. Food and water are not supplied by the BMTA on work trips; however, tools are provided by the Association. The BMTA recommends workers to bring at least two liters of water for the trip.
Those interested can meet either at The Iron Bridge Café and General Store on Aska Road across from Shallowford Bridge, at 8:00 a.m. or at Fall Branch Falls at 9 a.m.
The Benton MacKaye Trail spans three states – Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina – and nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is enjoyed by thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.
For anyone with questions or needing further information, contact Barry Allen at [email protected] or 770-294-7384.
Maroon Devils outlast Bulldogs, 29-27
Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High October 22, 2017
By Tiffany Santos, TeamFYNSports Reporter:
The crisp October air set the tone for the friday night football game between the Murphy Bulldogs (7-2, 3-1) and Swain County Maroon Devils (5-4, 4-1). The last time Murphy went up against this rival, the Bulldogs handed the Maroon Devils a harrowing loss (35-3). October 20th’s game between the rivalry schools was a different story. The Bulldogs put up a great effort but fell short by a 2-pt loss with a final score of 29-27; Swain taking home the win and the bragging rights.
In the 1st Quarter, senior #12 Brodie Bowman from Swain County scored the first touchdown with a 9-yard blast to paydirt. However, #11 Tanner Wiggins’ PAT was no good. With the missed kick, Swain started the game with a lead of 6-0.
Murphy answered with a touchdown by senior quarterback (#1) Joey Curry, who threw a pass complete to senior receiver (#4) DeAndre Jackson for 58 yards. The PAT was spot on by senior kicker and female football superstar (#3) Katelyn Jones. With this touchdown Murphy led Swain 7-6 as the 1st quarter came to a close.
The 2nd quarter exploded with two touchdowns for Murphy, and two for Swain. It seemed like each team was coming in strong without backing down. With 0:51 seconds left in the 1st half, Murphy quarterback (#1) Joey Curry threw a 17-yard pass complete to (#2) Micah Nelson. Jones once again showed how she earned her jersey, making good on her PAT kick. The TD and PAT tied the score up 20-all going into halftime.
By the end of the 3rd, Murphy was leading Swain with a score of 27-26, but a 24-yard field goal was successfully attempted by Swain County #11 Tanner Wiggins, bringing the lead to Swain County with a 29-27 score. It’s safe to conclude that penalties and mental mistakes may have cost Murphy the game, as the Bulldogs were penalized a total of 14 times for 131 yards on the night.
Nearing the end of the 4th Quarter, a player for the Bulldogs made a mistake that put Murphy in a 4th and 72 play. The player recovered the ball that was fumbled by his own team, but mistakenly ran the wrong way. Thankfully a teammate was able to stop him from running any further.
“I ain’t blaming this on anybody, I blame this on everybody. Not just one side,” Murphy Bulldogs Coach Gentry told TeamFYNSports. “Everybody that stepped on this field tonight didn’t do their job. It’s that simple. It’s not what tonight is, it’s how you react to it, and how big you come back!”
All-in-all, the Bulldogs and Maroon Devils put up a good fight, but in the end the Maroon Devils were the ones to taste victory. Sportswriter’s note: They say those that never win, never learn from loss. From hearing Murphy’s head coach speak about this defeat, I believe the Bulldogs will be able to learn from this game and make any changes necessary to continue on the road to the State Championships.
The Murphy Bulldogs (7-2, 3-1) have a home conference game vs Rosman (2-7, 1-3) this Friday, October 27th, 2017 @ 7:30pm.
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Senators Release Bipartisan Recommendations For Economic Growth In Appalachia
Politics, State & National September 15, 2017
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 07/22 to 07/28
Arrest Reports July 30, 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.
Andrews Man Jailed For Domestic Violence
Police & Government July 27, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer July 22nd, 2018 arrest of 40 year old Benjamin Lee Stanley of Andrews North Carolina for domestic violence.
On Sunday July 22nd. 2018 at about 5:30 pm Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office went to the Andrews North Carolina residence of Benjamin Lee Stanley in an attempt to serve warrants for violations of a domestic violence protective order as well as cyberstalking. Stanley refused entry to the deputies and fled to a crawl space area as he had done during his arrest in April of this year. Deputies located Stanley in the crawl space, who was hiding in a makeshift compartment he had constructed causing delay in his capture. During the search and eventual arrest of Stanley radio communications was lost with the deputies and units with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded and were able to notify dispatch that the officers were safe and sound.
Stanley was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center for: INTIMIDATING WITNESS, VIOLATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER X 2, CYBERSTALKING. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $50,000.00 secure bond on the Intimidating State Witness Charge, however no bond has been set on the Domestic Violence and Cyber Stalking charges at this time.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Good work by the deputies locating and apprehending Stanley. There was a very tense 20 minutes or so during the time that communication was broken with the deputies at the scene. We thank the Troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol who responded to let us know our folks were safe.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
UPDATE: Cherokee County Inmate Death
Police & Government July 18, 2018Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to cooperate with the State Bureau of Investigation in its inquiry into the death of a Cherokee County Inmate. Preliminary investigation reveals the following:
Around 5 pm on July 11th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to an individual acting irrationally in the Wolf Creek community of Cherokee County. When deputies responded, an investigation ensued resulting in the arrest of 30 year old Joshua Shane Long for, Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Resisting, Obstructing or Delaying an officer in performance of his duties. Deputies arrived at the Cherokee County Detention Center at seven o’clock pm. Long was set a $1000.00 secure bond by a North Carolina Magistrate. Information found during the arrest of Long showed that he had a Blairsville, Georgia address.
Long was non-combative at the detention center and was processed and placed in an observation “holding” cell, located in the detention booking area. During this time, he remained in the observation cell with no other cell mate. Detention Officers made their documented rounds checking on Long with no incidents or issues.
At appoxiamately11:12 pm, July 11th, 2018 Detention Officers made an observation of Long conscious and alert as they made their rounds. At approximately 11:14 (two minutes later) detention officers found Long unresponsive in his cell. Detention Staff began life saving measures and notified Cherokee County Emergency Communications, who summoned Cherokee County EMS. Lifesaving measures were continued by jail staff until they were relieved by paramedics from Cherokee County EMS. Long was transported by EMS to a Life Flight Air Ambulance where he was flown to a Tennessee Hospital where he was examined and pronounced dead.
As mandated by North Carolina General Statutes, Detention Office staff contacted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the District Attorney’s Office, and the North Carolina DHHS (Detention Division).
On Friday July 13, 2018 an autopsy was conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. A preliminary verbal report was given to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office by the medical examiner that conducted the autopsy. It was reported that there was no obvious cause of death and they did not find any obvious trauma to Mr. Long. A toxicology analysis is being conducted and when finished, a complete report will be written and hopefully a cause of death can be determined. At this time the official cause of death is undetermined. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is in the process of interviewing witnesses, reviewing jail video surveillance tapes and reviewing officer’s reports. Anyone with information regarding the death of Mr. Long are encouraged to contact the State Bureau of Investigation immediately.
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.”
Cherokee NC Sheriffs Office Arrest Reports 06/10 to 06/16
Arrest Reports June 18, 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.
Murphy Man Charged with Indecent Liberties with a Child
Press Release June 15, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 5th, 2018 arrest of Dawson Michael Burris, a 18 year old Murphy North Carolina man for a sexual assault on a child.
On or about May 13th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into a reported child sexual assault which happened in the Marble Community of Cherokee County. During the investigation assistance was provided by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center. As the investigation progressed information was gained which was presented to the June 4th, 2018 Cherokee County Grand Jury which returned a true bill of indictment against Burris for an Indecent Liberty with a Child.
Dawson Michael Burris was arrested at his residence without incident and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate where he was given a $50,000.00 secure bond. Burris is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Great team work by our Patrol Deputies, our Investigators and HAVEN. It is this kind of team work that allows us to be successful in these most difficult of crimes.”
Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim 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].