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

On 1/24/2017, Investigators with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office charged Dennis Moss, 51, and his son Daulton Moss, 23, with 2nd Degree Burglary and Filing a False Police Report. Both men have a Hayesville address and were taken into custody the same day. Investigators say the men were involved in the Burglary of a Shooting Creek residence on the night of Friday, 1/20/2017. Patrol deputies, responding to a call from neighbors, disrupted their activities that night and they escaped on foot from the scene without being identified. A vehicle was discovered at the scene and was seized as possible evidence.

A few hours later, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received another call, this time from Moss, whom reported being “car jacked” at gun point. The Moss’ alleged they were made to drive the man to the top of Franklin Mountain at which time their vehicle was stolen and they were left standing there. The vehicle that was alleged to have been stolen was the same one discovered previously at the Burglary in Shooting Creek. Moss could only identify the perpetrator as being a black male and gave a vague description of clothing.

Deputies and Investigators knew this to be a strange coincidence as the suspects from the nights earlier Burglary had fled the scene leaving their vehicle behind. Investigators interviewed the men extensively on their unfortunate experience of being robbed at gun point only to have their story change multiple times. It was finally discovered the men created the story as a ploy to cover up their burglary attempt.

Sheriff Davis said, “While one could see the humor in this case, it is a very serious matter. These men fabricated an outright lie, one that implicated an innocent person. Even though the innocent person didn’t exist, the nature in which they reported the false crime to have been perpetrated with a firearm could have set in motion a chain of events ending in tragedy. Not to mention the resources pulled away to chase a fictitious, potentially violent, criminal”.

Both men were booked into the Clay County Detention Center where they are both still in custody under a $10,000 secured bond. They have a February 6, 2017 court date.

The following press release has been issued by the Office of Ashley H. Welch, District Attorney.

PRESS RELEASE
 
​At the conclusion of a 5 day jury trial that began last week in Macon County Superior Court Brodie Hamilton, 31, of Franklin was convicted of Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession, Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation, and Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine. He was sentenced Friday to a maximum of 70 and a half years in prison, and he will serve at least 56 years before he is eligible for release.

The case was tried by District Attorney Ashley Welch and Assistant District Attorney Eric Bellas. The Honorable Bill Coward was the presiding and sentencing judge. The case was investigated by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

The evidence presented by the District Attorney’s Office proved that Mr. Hamilton was a known methamphetamine dealer in Macon County with a customer base from several surrounding western mountain counties including Jackson and Swain counties. He dealt methamphetamine out of his residence in Macon County over a period of time and had been a methamphetamine dealer in Macon County for several years except for a period of time when he was in the Georgia prison system serving a sentence for Trafficking in Cocaine. On June 19, 2015, Mr. Hamilton sent two young methamphetamine addicts to the Atlanta area to purchase over two pounds of crystal methamphetamine for him. That evening as a result of an ongoing narcotics investigation several Macon County Sheriff’s officers including Lieutenant Charles Moody, Detective Matthew Breedlove, First Sergeant Clay Bryson, Detective David Blanton and Deputy Josh Stewart, intercepted a vehicle in Macon County that contained over two pounds of crystal methamphetamine that was being delivered to Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton was eventually arrested hiding under a bed after law enforcement searched for him for approximately two months. Mr. Hamilton was found guilty of all charges.
 
“This conviction keeps a dangerous methamphetamine dealer off the streets for essentially the rest of his life and sends a strong message to the community that the District Attorney’s Office places the highest priority on protecting our community from the plague and poison that is methamphetamine. I commend all of the dedicated professionals in law enforcement who partner with the District Attorney’s Office to make our communities a safer place to live. I commend the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for a job well done. Methamphetamine ruins lives and Brodie Hamilton is responsible for ruining countless lives in our community. This sentence ensures that he will not be able to distribute this poison into our community again,” said District Attorney Ashley Welch.

The following press release has been issued by Clay County Sheriff's Office. 

​Clay County Sheriff Vic Davis said in the early morning hours of Wednesday January 18, 2017, Clay County deputies were dispatched to the Ridgeline Apartments on Hwy 64 E in reference to a burglary.
 
It appears the suspect entered the apartment and woke up one of the residents. When the resident went to investigate noise in the kitchen area, the suspect struck him with his fist and then fled from the residence. The victim was not seriously injured.
 
Investigators are looking for a man described as being approximately 6 feet tall, white, with a slim build; he was also wearing dark clothing.
 
Sheriff Davis said since this is an ongoing investigation there are some details that cannot be released, however investigators are following up on several good leads. Sheriff Davis is also requesting anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (828) 389-2256. Information can also be sent through the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or by submitting a tip at crimetips@claync.org.
 
Sheriff Davis said someone may have seen or heard something in those early morning hours, so please; if you think you might have information that could be helpful contact us immediately.

Press Release from Murphy Police Department - Reference Motor Vehicle Collision On 01/23/2017 On Highway 19/74:

On Monday January 23rd 2017 at around 3:30 pm, the Cherokee County 911 Dispatch received several 911 calls in reference to a two vehicle collision with injuries on Highway 19/74 at the Wal-Mart intersection.

First responders, along with Murphy Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders found a two vehicle collision with a small passenger vehicle and a sports utility vehicle. First responders found three patients inside the small passenger vehicle that had come to rest just outside the eastbound travel lanes of Highway 19/74, and one patient inside the sports utility vehicle that had come to rest in the middle of the eastbound travel lanes of Highway 19/74.  One male subject with a Kentucky address was transported to a hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. One female with a Kentucky address was found deceased at the scene of the collision. One female with a Kentucky address was transported from the collision scene and later died.

The collision is currently under investigation by the Murphy Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The Murphy Police Department asks if anyone witnessed this collision, please contact the Murphy Police Department at (828) 837-2214.  

​The Murphy Police Department would like to thank all the agencies involved with assistance in this terrible incident.  Cherokee County 911 Dispatch, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Murphy Volunteer Fire Department, Cherokee County Emergency Services and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.    

Dustin D. Smith
Assistant Chief of Police 
Murphy Police Department 

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

Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the January 20, 2017 arrest of 20-year-old Christian Pelicie-Mederos, 23-year-old Selburn Abraham Ridley, 19-year-old Monte Terrell Stewart, 19-year-old Chevez Jamar Herron, and 23-year-old Marquez Deshaun Hall, all who reported Atlanta, Georgia addresses, for charges stemming from a home invasion in the Andrews Community on January 19th, 2017.

At about 9:45 pm January 19th, 2017, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence north of Andrews, North Carolina to a report of shots fired. As the responding deputy was arriving in the area, the vehicle that had been described containing the individuals that had broken into a residence was found disabled on the roadway. The vehicle was occupied by the five individuals and upon the approach of the responding deputy, two of the individuals fled on foot. Two officers with the Andrews Police Department, along with additional deputies and investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrived and all five of the individuals were apprehended. Among the items seized at the scene were firearms, illegal controlled substances and a large amount of U.S. currency.

Pelicie-Medros, Ridley, Stewart, Herron and Hall were all booked into the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for ROBBERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON, ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON, FIRST DEGREE BURGLARY, and RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER. All five are currently housed at the Cherokee County Detention Center under $100,000.00 secure bond. Herron has an additional $100,000.00 secure bond for charges from another incident in Clay County during 2016.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We have not completed our investigation, but have some good indication why these individuals were in Cherokee County. We are continuing our investigation and are checking additional leads and information. I want to thank the officers of the Andrews Police Department for their assistance. I would like to remind the public that we appreciate any assistance they can provide but highly discourage any activities that would place them in harm’s way!”

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 crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress. 

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

One suspect is in custody on numerous charges and a large amount of illegal drugs are off the streets after multiple search warrants were served on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, by Sheriff Chris Clinton and deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office in connection with an ongoing drug investigation.  

The search warrants executed by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office yielded a large quantity of various illegal drugs with an estimated street value of $80,352.  

​Steven Douglas Anderson, age 19, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested and charged with multiple violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. His Charges include the following criminal offenses: 

V.G.C.S.A. Trafficking Heroin 16-13-31(B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Heroin 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Heroin with intent to distribute 16-13-30(B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Mushrooms (Shrooms) 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Mushrooms (Shrooms) with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Ecstasy 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Ecstasy with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of THC oil 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of THC oil with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Xanax 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Xanax with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Oxycodone 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Hydromorphone 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Hydromorphone with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Alprazolam 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Alprazolam with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Acetaminophen/Oxycodone 16-13-30
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Acetaminophen/Oxycodone with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana less than 1 oz. 16-13-2 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute 16-13-30 (B)
V.G.C.S.A. Possession of drug related objects 16-13-1

In addition to illegal drugs seized, the Sheriff’s Office seized a quantity of firearms, cash, and a Mercedes Benz automobile from the residence.  

During the course of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for Anderson’s safe that had been originally alerted on by Towns County Sheriff’s K-9 Hunter.  Towns County Sheriff’s deputies requested assistance from Towns County Fire Department in opening the safe utilizing equipment for vehicle extraction.  

The investigation is currently active and ongoing. 

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

On Monday, January 16, 2017, Jacqueline Kay Ford, age 61, of Hiawassee, Georgia was arrested and charged with one count of attempted murder. She is currently being held without bond in the Towns County Detention Center.

Towns County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on Scataway Road in Hiawassee, Georgia during the early morning hours on Friday, December 30, 2017 in reference to a 911 hang up call. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a 79-year-old male and a 61-year-old female in a semi-conscious state.  The man and woman were identified as Robert and Jacqueline Ford, husband and wife.

Both were initially transported to Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee before being airlifted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia, where they were admitted in serious condition. 

​The case was investigated by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The attempted murder charge stems from Jacqueline Ford adding an unknown amount of prescription medication and antifreeze to a liquid drink and giving it to her husband, Robert Ford, in an attempt to cause his death.

Mr. Ford has since been released from Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The case will be referred to the Enotah District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. 

​Sheriff Chris Clinton would like to thank the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Regional Office for their assistance in this investigation. 

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

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the January 9th 2017, arrest of 81-year-old John Frederick Kaufman of Murphy, North Carolina for sexual assaults involving a child.

During the latter part of November 2016, a report was made that Kaufman was suspect in a child sexual assault. Pursuant to that allegation, an investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office which culminated in the January 2017 arrest of Kaufman.

Kaufman is currently in custody at the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $100,000 secure bond. Kaufman is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on January 25, 2017.

Because of the age of the victims and the sensitive nature of the incident, no further information is expected to be released from this office.

​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 crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.