From Town of Murphy Mayor Rick Ramsey:

Hi Folks,

There is a new group that is attempting to better understand why our community has an illegal drug issue, what resources are available to help and how they might become part of the solution. There have been two meetings to date with about 25 in attendance. Parents, grandparents, concerned citizens, a few people with experience on the issue and at least two successfully recovering addicts who are sharing their ongoing success are attending. In addition Chief Justin Jacobs, James Reid and I have attended as well. WKRK covers the meetings live on Facebook Live.

This is not a “Murphy” group, it reaches beyond and out in our surrounding community. I believe we must do all we collectively can to address this problem. This group realizes that all communities are facing the same issue and are looking for best ways to prevent middle school children and up from becoming victims. They are looking for safe groups, organizations, etc. that will provide a safe, fun, interesting environment for children of all ages. Question: what is there to do for kids in the evenings and weekends that is safe and fun? Organized sports is a partial answer for only some. The group is also strongly interested in what resources are available to both educate and participate in everything to do with addiction treatment and recovery for all who are already victims but are seeking help.

The next meeting is Saturday, March 3 at 1:00pm at the Murphy Bible Church (Fellowship Hall downstairs.) The address is 169 Smith Hollow Road, Murphy, NC (across from the Big D Store on Hwy 64 West.)  Please share this with any and all that may be interested in participating, from average citizens to those who have knowledge and experience in ways that can succeed in helping.

Since becoming Mayor, I’ve had many conversations with citizens about our drug issue. People of all ages are scared, isolated and living behind locked doors that they will not open. People are very hesitant to notify law enforcement for fear of reprisal from the dealers. This “war” will require a united and very vocal front of a large number of citizens that will visibly stand together and send the strong message that our community will no longer tolerate drug dealers doing business in our neighborhoods.

If you have read this far I thank you for your time. Please join if you can and share this invitation far and wide. It will be important to simply come and listen whether you have something to share or not.

I hope to see you on March 3 at 1:00.

Rick

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

Around midnight on Tuesday February 20, 2018, a Clay County Deputy was conducting a business check on NC Hwy 69 when he observed a man with a flashlight walking around a home nearby.
 
Sheriff Davis said the deputy approached the man to inquire as to what he was doing. During their conversation the deputy asked the man his name. The man gave a name, but the deputy knew that person and new the man he was talking to was not that person. When the deputy asked him again he gave the name Stephen Kirby, and said he was just walking to a friend’s house.
 
Due to the man not giving the correct name, the deputy ran his name through dispatch for a routine warrant check. Of course, he came back with warrants. The deputy attempted to place Kirby in handcuffs when he took off running. Another deputy had arrived at this time and after a short foot chase the other deputy was able to head Kirby off and take him into custody.
 
Once at the jail, a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine was located in Kirby’s boot.
 
According to Sheriff Davis, Kirby, 34 of Hayesville, was arrested and charged with two counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Stolen Goods, Misdemeanor Larceny, Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Jail, and Resisting Public Officer. He is currently in the Clay County Detention Center on a $16,000 bond, and has a March 5, 2018 court date.

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 that February 16th, 2018 arrest of 38 year old Robert Burl Fletcher III, who listed a Gaston County NC address.

On February 16th, 2018 a patrol officer was dispatched to a business located on US 64 West to investigate a report of individuals acting suspicious and may be involved in the illegal sale of controlled substances. The patrol officer arrived on scene and obtained identifying information from a male and female at the location. At the same time, an investigator of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist in the investigation. Fletcher then started fleeing from the scene and was apprehended a short distance later.

In a search incident to arrest a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and narcotic paraphernalia was found. Fletcher is a convicted sex offender and had two active warrants from Clay and Gaston counties in North Carolina for failure to Notify Change of Address.

Robert Burl Fletcher III was is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center on the following charges POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER. Fletcher’s bond for the Cherokee County charges is $15,000.00 secure. Clay and Gaston counties both have holds placed on Fletcher should he make bond.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We cannot over stress the importance of the Sex Offender Registry laws and their importance in keeping registered offenders in compliance.”

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 to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

Part 1

On Friday February 9, 2018, Clay County Investigators responded to Jack Rabbit Road in reference to a body that was discovered in the lake. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Clay County Fire and Rescue, and Towns County Dive Team all responded to assist.
 
Sheriff Davis said the man has been positively identified as Michael Todd Popa. Popa has been missing since December 20, 2017.
 
This is still an open investigation and Sheriff Davis requests any one that may have further information in reference to this matter to please come forward and speak to investigators.

Part 2

Sheriff Davis said investigators are interested in speaking to the person depicted in this sketch. This person may have been the last person to be with Michael Popa who had been missing since December 20, 2017.
 
This person and Popa were together sometime between December 18th and 20th when the vehicle they were driving ran out of gas on Hwy 175 in Clay County between the hours of 9 and 11 PM.
 
Investigators say they were coming from the direction of Georgia on Hwy 175 when this occurred, and they believe a third person brought them fuel.
​
This man is a white male, in his mid 30’s, 5’9” -  5’11” tall, has short (buzz cut style) brown hair, and a medium build.
 
Sheriff Davis said he is hoping someone will recognize this man and provide information on who he may be, because he man may have information as to what happened to Michael Popa. If someone knows who he might be or if maybe you were the one that brought gas to them, please call the Sheriff’s Office at (828) 389-6354, or message us on Facebook. You can also send anonymous information to our crime tip email, crimetips@claync.org.
 
Investigators want to be clear on one thing, they do not believe this man was any part of any wrong doing, but they do believe he may have further information that is helpful to the investigation.

​****Missing Person****
 
Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a missing person last night. Glenn Maurice Hardin has been missing since Saturday afternoon and suffers from dementia. He was last seen wearing a brown corduroy shirt, blue jeans, and tan house shoes. He was driving a 1998, maroon in color, Ford Taurus station wagon, and had his black Dachshund with him when he left. 
 
Mr. Hardin is from Andrews and may be in Cherokee County. If you know of his whereabouts please call the Sheriff’s Office at (828) 389-6354 or your local law enforcement agency.

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

Cherokee County Schools (CCS) has received multiple requests for public information today and upon consulting with attorneys and law enforcement, the following statement has been cleared for release 02/10/18.

Cherokee County Schools suspended Mr. Thomas Graham from all school duties on January 26th in response to allegations of misconduct. As required by law, any suspension during an investigation is with pay. Mr. Jason Forrister has been acting principal during this time and will continue in that role as long as necessary.

Cherokee County Schools has been working with local and state law enforcement agencies and has fully cooperated with their investigation. Because personnel matters are considered confidential under state law, CCS cannot make any further comment regarding Mr. Graham. Further it is imperative that CCS strive alongside law enforcement agencies to seek the truth and impart fairness to all parties involved.

Student safety is the first priority of Cherokee County Schools and CCS takes the appropriate measures necessary to provide a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all students, staff, parents and volunteers.

Cherokee County Schools would like to thank the state and local law enforcement officials for the professionalism they have demonstrated thus far. CCS will continue to work with law enforcement throughout the entire process.

CCS conducts a thorough background investigation into potential employees during the pre-employment process. If criminal allegations arise during employment CCS works directly with law enforcement to ensure a thorough and fair investigation.

WKRK Note:   Booking photo not available at publication time.

UPDATE:  Booking photo added 6:05 pm 2/10/18

UPDATE FROM NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (2/12/18):  
The SBI was requested to assist the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 9 regarding a sex offense investigation in which then principal of Hiawassee Dam High School (Murphy, Cherokee County), Thomas Graham, was alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a student. The allegations referred to incidents which occurred approximately two years ago. Graham was currently the principal of Murphy High School at the time the report was made to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Several interviews have been conducted in the investigation and more are anticipated.  On February 5, 2018, a Grand Jury in Cherokee County issued a True Bill of Indictment for Graham for two counts of Indecent Liberties with a student. At the time of the indictment, Graham had been placed on administrative leave from Murphy High School. The investigation is ongoing.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Timothy G. Henn graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Henn is the son of Stephanie and Peter Henn of Murphy, N.C.

He graduated in 2014 from Hiwassee Dam High School, Murphy, N.C., and earned an associate degree in 2016 from Valencia College, Orlando, Fla.