6 arrested in Cherokee County NC on Federal Drug Charges

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Murphy, NC – Sheriff Derrick Palmer of the Cherokee County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office reported the February 24th, 2020 arrest of six individuals living in Cherokee County, North Carolina following an investigation into individuals who were illegally possessing and distributing controlled substances.

The following individuals were charged on federal indictments:

Matthew Wondra – 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine, 4 counts of distribution of crystal methamphetamine, 2 counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 1 count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Jamie Allen – 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine and 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.

Derek Wilson – 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine and 1 count of possession with intent to distribute of crystal methamphetamine (in custody of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office).

Leslie Cartwright – 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine.

Brian Majercik – 1 count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine (in custody with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office).

Christopher Price – 3 counts of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, 2 counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 2 counts of felon in possession of a firearm (in custody with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office).

Agencies Involved:

DEA-Asheville Post of Duty / Western North Carolina HIDTA is comprised of the following: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Swain County Sheriff’s Office Cherokee Indian Police Department – to include their SWAT Team Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Asheville Police Department CHEROKEE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA SHERIFF’S OFFICE SHERIFF DERRICK PALMER FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, February 26, 2020 For more information call 828.837.2589

Henderson County Sheriff’s Office North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Drug Enforcement Administration Bureau of Indian Affairs

Assisting agencies:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives United States Postal Inspector Service

Sheriff Palmer said “We are glad to work with these agencies to help with the illegal distribution of controlled substances in Cherokee County. We will continue to work with our federal partners to address the continued drug problems we face.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.