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

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced during the March 28th, 2016 Superior Court Setting, the Honorable Jeffrey P. Hunt sentenced registered sex offender Ricky Leroy Leistra Jr. to no less than 80 months to a maximum of 108 months for a violation of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.

During the month of February 2015, information became known to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office that Leistra was not living at the residence at which he had registered and further, Leistra failed to return a semi-annual verification form as required by the North Carolina General Statutes. During the May 2015 arrest of Leistra, several tablets of Heroin were found and seized.

During the investigation into the Sex Offender Registry Violations, information was found that in May 1999, Leistra entered a guilty plea in Cherokee County Superior Court to Indecent Liberties with a Child, an offense requiring him to register with the Sheriff of the county in which he or she resides. Additionally, North Carolina Court Records indicate that Leistra has at least two previous convictions for violations of the Sex Offender Registry, one of which happened in Cherokee County.

During the February 2016 Superior Court setting, Leistra was found guilty of failing to return to the Sheriff’s Office the semi-annual verification form as required by North Carolina General Statutes. Sentencing was set off until the March 28th, 2016 setting of Superior Court where Leistra made admission that he was a habitual felon and was sentenced under those guidelines.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We are grateful for the excellent team work on this case. All the agencies involved, Andrews Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and our deputies and investigators who work tirelessly in concert to ensure compliance with the registry laws. The safety of our citizens is of paramount importance, especially our young ones.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information 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 guilty in a court of law.

​On Thursday March 3, 2016 during the early morning hours, deputies with the Clay County, North Carolina Sheriff’s Office pursed a fleeing red pickup truck into Towns County.  The driver, later identified as Kevin Crider of Hayesville, North Carolina, abandoned the pickup near the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.  The driver fled from the Clay County pursuit on foot.

Later in the day on Thursday March 3, 2016, a burglary was reported from an outbuilding a short distance from where the pursuit ended.  A vehicle was also entered at the same location from where items were stolen.  As well, an ATV was also stolen from the outbuilding.  The owner located his ATV the following day, which was wrecked and abandoned a short distance away. 

Towns County Investigators have taken warrants for the suspect, Kevin Dewayne Crider, age 23 of Hayesville, North Carolina.  

The warrants were issued for:
1 Count of Burglary (Second Degree)
2 Counts Theft by Taking (Felony)
2 Counts Criminal Damage to Property (Second Degree)
1 Count Entering an Automobile (Felony) 

At this time, the suspect, Kevin Dewayne Crider, is in custody at the Clay County, North Carolina Jail.  The investigation is active and on-going and more charges may be forthcoming.

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 March 22nd , 2016 arrest of 43-year-old Jose Hector Alvarado, of Murphy, North Carolina for Kidnapping.

On March 19th, 2016, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a report that two minor females were missing from home. During the investigation, information was located that indicated the females had been taken to Anderson, South Carolina by Alvarado without consent of the minors parents.

Working with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the minors were located and taken into protective custody until they were returned to Cherokee County. Alvarado was arrested and held in the Anderson County Detention Facility until he was extradited back to Cherokee County. Alvarado was charged with 2 counts of First Degree Kidnapping and 1 count of Felonious Restraint. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $200,000.00 secure bond. Alvarado is currently being held at the Cherokee County Detention Facility awaiting a March 30th, 2016 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We are in the early stages of this investigation. We are being assisted by federal agencies and anticipate additional charges. I want to commend the responding deputies both here and in Anderson County South Carolina as well as our communications personnel. Their dogged effort to locate these minors was outstanding and instrumental in bringing them safely home.”

​Sheriff Palmer encourages any one 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a site on Old Ranger Road to a report of unexploded dynamite.

On March 21st , 2016 a concerned citizen phoned the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to report a find of what he believed to be unexploded dynamite at a site where a cleanup and demolition operation was being done at an old mechanic shop on Old Ranger Road just outside the town limits of Murphy.  Deputies responded to the scene and found what appeared to be an abandoned box of the explosive Powerditch 1000, which is commonly used in avalanche control.  The box of abandoned explosives had been discovered when a worker was moving debris.

The scene was secured and decision was made to not move the Powerditch until the Asheville Police Department’s Bomb Squad could respond. Once the bomb squad arrived, they detonated the Powerditch without incident.  Murphy Fire Department assisted by providing fire apparatus.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We appreciate this aware citizen who immediately reported what he felt was a dangerous situation. We are thankful for Asheville Police Department and the Murphy Fire Department. I want to point out that at no time was there any additional danger to the community or people that lived near the site. Had there been we would have taken the necessary steps to evacuate to a safe area.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one 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 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 March 16th, 2016 arrest of 37-year-old Joel Lee Trull, of Marble, North Carolina, 23-year-old Tasha Savannah Eller of Murphy, North Carolina and 20-year-old Breslin Drake Allen, also of Murphy, North Carolina for the illegal possession of controlled substances and child abuse.

On March 16th, 2016 a report of a truck that was sitting up in the field behind the Cherokee County Department of Social Services Building was made to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. The report also stated that there were two males who appeared to be armed and were acting suspicious.

The initial responding deputy found the vehicle which was an extended cab pickup truck. Trull and Allen along with Trull’s minor child were found to be occupants in the vehicle. With the arrival of Sheriff Palmer, Chief Deputy Thigpen and investigators, a search of the vehicle was made which found a quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, as well as paraphernalia. During the search, it was found that syringes and methamphetamine were sitting in a bag within arm’s reach of Trull’s minor child. Eller was located at the Social Services building where she was transacting business.

Trull was arrested and charged with MISDEMEANOR CHILD ABUSE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS MARIJUANA PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, SIMPLE POSSESS SCH VI CS. Trull was set a $10,000.00 unsecure bond and was released and is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on March 30th , 2016.

Eller and Allen were also arrested and charged with POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, SIMPLE POSSESS SCH VI CS. Both were released on a $5,000.00 unsecure bond each and both are scheduled to appear on March 30th, 2016.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “These people are no stranger to the justice system for violations of the controlled substance laws. It is our duty to continue to protect our community and especially areas like the Department of Social Services so that it is safe for our children. This demonstrates the continued disregard for the safety of children when you have drugs and needles so close in proximity them.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one 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. 

With promises of more than $3,500 in prize money for competing participants, the Tri-County Community College (TCCC) Foundation will hold its 8th Annual Fishing for Scholarships Tournament on Saturday, April 2 at Lake Chatuge in Hayesville.

“The annual fishing tournament is one of the Foundation’s most popular and well-attended events,” said Dotie Stafford-Ortega, chair of TCCC’s event committee. “We love seeing our anglers come back year after year to compete and support this event. Last year we had nearly 60 teams compete, including several out-of-state residents.”

The Tri-County Bass Club and TCCC Foundation coordinate the annual tournament. Proceeds from the registration fees will provide two $1,000 scholarships for future TCCC students.

“Our prizes are spread out over varying categories, including first through fifth place overall, and one for biggest spotted and large mouth bass and smallest fish each,” Stafford-Ortega said.

Registration for the event is currently open, with the registration fee being set at $100. The tournament is set to begin at 7 a.m. on April 2, with on-site registration closing at 6:40 a.m.

The tournament is for two-person teams, using artificial lures only.

For more information regarding TCCC Foundation’s annual fishing tournament, or to register for the event, please contact Stafford-Ortega at 835-4208.

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 March 2nd, 2016 arrest of 59-year-old James Lanier Heaton and 58 -year-old John Michael Gowder both of Blairsville, Georgia on true bills of indictment handed down from the February 29th, 2016 session of the Cherokee County Grand Jury.

During a joint investigation being conducted in North Georgia into individuals who were committing drug fraud, it became apparent that both Heaton and Gowder, doctors with a practice in North Georgia were operating their fraudulent drug activities in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Information from that investigation was collected and submitted to the Grand Jury who issued true bills of indictment for 5 counts of trafficking in Opium or Heroin and 5 counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by forgery against both Heaton and Gowder.

Both Heaton and Gowder were arrested on the charges and the North Carolina Magistrate set a each a $500,000.00 secure bond and an April 4th, 2016 Superior Court date.  Gowder posted the secure bonds and Heaton remains in custody at the time of this release.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We want to thank the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Drug Division Unit, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA for partnering with us on this investigation. Again, we are going after the folks who are running drugs in Cherokee County and won’t stop until we catch all we can to make Cherokee County safe for our folks.”

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 Tri-County Community College (TCCC) Foundation in partnership with WKRK welcomed members of the community into TCCC’s Enloe Multi-Purpose Room to enjoy The John Conlee Show on Feb. 19 at the Main Campus in Peachtree.
 
“Having John Conlee on campus was a great moment for Tri-County Community College,” said Dotie Stafford-Ortega, chair of the events committee at TCCC.
 
A Meet and Greet event preceded the concert, which included a menu of hors d'oeuvres created by TCCC culinary arts students. The Meet and Greet also incorporated a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses and artists.
 
Snap-on Power Tools donated an 18-volt lithium cordless impact drill, which was won by Larry Kernea. Sherry Robertson won a decorative metal indoor/outdoor welcome sign by Charles “Red” Carey, as well as a decorative structural lidded vessel donated by Ray Kaylor. Mike Lalone donated a stoneware vase, which was won by Phylis Blackmon. Calaboose Cellars and Andrews Brewing Company both donated wine tasting for two and two growlers respectively, which were won by Julie West.
 
Proceeds from the silent auction benefitted the TCCC Foundation’s Student Enrichment Fund, which provides necessary resources for student success.
 
“These are the kinds of events that we would like to host more often in the future,” said Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers, president of TCCC. “Not only is it a great way to raise funds for the College Foundation's Student Enrichment fund, it gives us an opportunity to introduce members of the community to the College campus.”
 
Community members cheered and clapped as Conlee performed hits such as “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Backside of Thirty,” and “Old School.” Following the concert, Conlee remained to sign CDs, photos, and to take pictures with the event attendees.
 
“It appeared that the audience had a wonderful time and Mr. Conlee did a great job entertaining the crowd,” Stafford-Ortega said.​

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. 
​
Murphy, NC— During the February 29th, 2016 session of Cherokee County Superior Court, 55-year-old Scott Kinloch Carter of Murphy, North Carolina entered pleas to charges involving the duplication and possession of child exploitation images.

Carter appeared before William H. Coward, the senior resident superior court judge for the 30th Judicial District of North Carolina, who sentenced Carter to an active sentence of no less than 20 months and no more than 84 months for Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.  Additionally, Carter was given four no less than 6 and no more than 17 month sentences which  Carter will have to do probation for 36 months.  If Carter were to violate the conditions of his probation, then he would have to serve the four sentences consecutively. Carter is required to register as a sex offender for 30 years upon release from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

The joint investigation began in March 2015 when the Murphy Police Department received information that Carter was in possession of images on his computer which were described as being young children undressed and involved in various sex acts with adults some as young as infant and toddlers. This information was provided to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and a joint investigation was undertaken.

During the investigation, members of the Murphy Police Department and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of Carter’s Mcclelland Street residence. During the search of the residence, a computer and hard drives along with records were seized to be analyzed. During the analysis of the computer and hard drives, approximately 10,000 images were identified as depicting children engaged in various sex acts. Many of the images depicted children as young as toddlers. Additionally, approximately 160 hours of videos were located on the hard drives that were identified as child exploitation material, many of which also displayed children as young as toddlers and infants. There were also wire bound notebooks which contained passwords and search terms that indicated that Carter had been actively searching for the child exploitation images on the internet.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “These cases are very technical and complex in nature. Cases such as this one are very time consuming and are not solved in an hour as we see on television.  Working together, we are able to share expertise and technology that most smaller agencies do not possess. My Office is committed to continue our vigilance and protection of the community and our youth. We are grateful when agencies such as Murphy Police Department call upon us and allow us to continue our pursuit and work together toward a common goal.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information 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 Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced during the February 29th, 2016 Superior Court setting, Jessica Darlene Russell a 45-year-old Andrews, North Carolina woman entered pleas of guilty to 1 count of Felony Child Abuse by Prostitution and 1 count of First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

Russell appeared before William H. Coward, the senior resident superior court judge for the 30th Judicial District of North Carolina, who sentenced Russell on count one to an active sentence of 59-131 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Count two, which is to run consecutively at the expiration to count 1, is for a period of 67-141 months. Russell also received a $50,000.00 fine in each case.

The May 2015 investigation began when an officer with the Andrews Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance in the town limits of Andrews, North Carolina. Deputies of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call to assist if needed. During the investigation of the disturbance, information became known that Russell was in possession of a video which depicted a minor engaged in a sexual act.

During the investigation, several search warrants were issued and information and evidence was collected that supported the claims that Russell not only possessed child exploitation material but had created it as well. Additionally, through computer forensics and cellular telephone examination, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was able to identify the victim and recovered information that provided information that not only did Russell create the video of the 7-year-old minor, but transmitted the video by cellphone and emails to an individual in North Georgia where the investigation continues.

Sheriff Palmer said, “My Office continues to work aggressively to ferret out those who exploit our children. I especially want to commend the Andrews Police Department, the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and the 30th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the cooperative effort to bring about this conclusion to a very heinous crime. We continue to be thankful for the continued support of all the local, state and federal agencies we partner with to protect our children. These types of investigations are very technical and are very time consuming, but the time we spend is well worth it considering the victims that are involved.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone that has information 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.