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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, 2018 arrest of Dustin Eugene Mcclure, a 41-year-old white male of Marble, North Carolina and 36-year-old Timothy Robert Norton of Candler, North Carolina for possessing a trafficking amount of methamphetamine. On March 22, 2018, detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit provided information to the North Carolina Probation and Parole that the Marble residence of Mcclure possibly had stolen property and illegally possessed controlled substances. Upon arriving at the Marble residence, stolen property and drug paraphernalia were observed in plain view. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted a search of the property. As a result an excess of 117 grams of Methamphetamine was seized along with 2 bottles of suspected steroids, a bottle of suspected MDMA capsules, Marijuana seeds, stolen property, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Mcclure was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with: TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Mcclure is currently being held on a $110,000.00 secure bond and is expected in Cherokee County District Court on March 27th, 2018. Norton was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center where he was charged with TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, PWIMSD METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF STOLEN GOODS, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Norton is currently being held on a $110,000.00 secure bond and is expected in Cherokee County District Court on March 27th, 2018. Sheriff Palmer stated, “This was a pretty fair amount of dope taken off the street, the little over 4 ounces or nearly a quarter pound has an approximate street value of a little over $10,000.00. Good working with Probation and Parole to take these two down.” 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.  Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that March 15th, 2018 arrest of 37-year-old Adrian Montez Austin, of Andrews, North Carolina for violations of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.
On March 1st of this year, a complaint was made with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office that Austin had established a residence the complainant felt was too close to the High School in Andrews, North Carolina. Deputies with the Patrol Division and Investigations Division worked together and were able to obtain evidence that Austin had established a residence approximately 290 feet from the Andrews High School, as well as moving from Clay County and failing to notify of his new address. During the investigation, information was discovered that indicated that Austin was involved in the illegal sale of controlled substances and had possibly involved young teen age juvenile females. Austin was arrested at his Andrews North Carolina residence and incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center for 2 counts of Violation of the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the Sex Offender Registry. He is currently under a $15,000.00 secure bond and has a March 27th, 2018 court date. Austin’s arrest was part of Operation Southern Impact II where a total of 76 people were arrested, and 13 children were rescued or identified as victims during a mutually coordinated operation between eight southeastern states. The joint, proactive event, Operation Southern Impact II, was coordinated by nine Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in those eight states and focused on persons who possess and distribute child pornography and those who are sexually exploiting children in other ways using technology and the internet. Sheriff Palmer stated, “As you can see this is just one of the reasons that we are so diligent in our monitoring of Sex Offenders and why we have partnered with our State and Federal Partners to keep our innocents safe.” 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.  Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that March 13th, 2018 arrest of 55-year-old Keith Charles Celebreeze, Sr. of Murphy, North Carolina in connection with making threats via social media and emails.
For the past several months numerous threatening and demeaning emails and social media postings were sent to individuals of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as well as individuals employed with the District Attorney’s Office in Waynesville. The State Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation and several charges were taken out on Celebreeze. At some point in the investigation Celebreeze had failed to make a scheduled court appearance. Celebreeze surrendered himself to the Cherokee County Detention Center for the following charges: FAILURE TO APPEAR ON MISDEMEANOR X 3, EXTORTION X 2, and INTIMIDATING WITNESS X 2. He has a $357,000.00 secure bond and has a April 3rd, 2018 District Court date. Sheriff Palmer stated, “We should remember with the right of free speech we have a responsibility not to infringe on the rights of others and we will hold you accountable.” 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.  Official Press Release
Date: March 15th or 16th, 2018 Time: Unknown Location: Murphy River Walk (Leech Place) Suspect/s: Pending Further Investigation At or around 4:46 pm, the Murphy Police Department responded to the Murphy River Walk (Leech Place) in reference to vandalism that had already occurred on the walk boards. The graffiti consisted of spray painted items (sensitive in nature) and a racial slur, which we will not list at this time. The covered bridge had also been vandalized a few weeks prior and had already been repaired. Both investigations are still pending and we will keep the public informed of any changes. "The Murphy Police Department would ask the general public if they have seen any suspicious people in the area prior to this event. We would like to thank Mr. Eddie Sylvester and Mr. Jim Sullivan for their quick response in cleaning up the graffiti." "Law enforcement relies on the public's help more than people realize. If you see something, say something. We found out this incident had occurred through various posts and discussions on Facebook. No one ever called us to report it. This will not be tolerated in the Town of Murphy." Thank You, Justin J. Jacobs Chief of Police  The following press release has been issued by Clay County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are presume innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Sheriff Davis said he is pleased to announce that after a string of thefts; investigators have the man responsible in jail. There have been a series of thefts since the first of the year, and they all pointed back to one man, Stephen Michael Kirby. Investigators have been investigating these crimes that all occurred at residences on or around NC Hwy 69 for two months now. But all the pieces started coming together when Kirby was arrested on February 20, 2018, sneaking around a residence on NC Hwy 69. Sheriff Davis said through investigative efforts, not only is Kirby in jail, several items of property have been recovered and turned over to their rightful owners. Kirby, 34 of Hayesville, has been arrested and charged with three counts of Felony Larceny, four counts of Felony Breaking and Entering, two counts of Felony Conspiracy to Commit Larceny, Felony Obtain Property by False Pretense, Injury to Personal Property, and Misdemeanor Larceny. He is currently in custody in the Clay County Detention Center on a $40,000 bond.   Teammates Storm and Jimmy Worley, both of Murphy, won $250 for the biggest largemouth bass weighing in at 8.08 pounds during Tri-County Community College's 2017 tournament. With promises of more than $3,500 in prize money for competing participants, the Tri-County Community College Foundation will hold its 10th Annual Fishing for Scholarships Tournament on Saturday, April 7 at Lake Chatuge in Hayesville.
“Our annual fishing tournament is one of our most popular and well-attended events,” said Dotie Stafford-Ortega, director of academic success and student engagement. “We always enjoy seeing our anglers coming back year after year to compete and support this event. Last year we had more than 50 teams compete, including several out-of-state residents.” The Tri-County Bass Club and Tri-County Community College Foundation coordinate the annual tournament. Proceeds from the registration fees will provide two $1,000 scholarships for future Tri-County Community College students. “Our prizes are spread out over varying categories, including first through fifth place overall, and one for biggest spotted and largemouth bass and smallest fish each,” Stafford-Ortega said. According to Stafford-Ortega, the tournament is first come, first serve for blast off spots conditional on a paid registration fee, so anyone interested in participating should not delay in registering for the event. Registration for the event is currently open, with the registration fee being set at $90 until March 27, with fees rising to $100 starting March 28. The tournament is set to begin at 7 a.m. on April 7, 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 the Tri-County Community College Foundation’s annual fishing tournament, or to register for the event, please contact Stafford-Ortega at 835-4208.  Official Press Release
Date: March 8th, 2018 Time: 12:02 pm Location: Wal-Mart Supercenter Suspect/s: Pending Further At or around 12:02 pm on March 8th, 2018, the Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center received a call from the Wal-Mart Supercenter Management Team advising of a bomb threat inside of their store. The bomb threat was found in the women's bathroom in one of the stalls. Upon law enforcement arrival on scene, a brief sweep was conducted in the store. At this time it was determined by Wal-Mart Supercenter Management to evacuate the store per their protocol for everyone's safety. Upon searching the store, nothing was able to be located. During this time, the Asheville Police Department (Bomb Squad Division) was contacted in reference to assisting us. After speaking with them regarding their concerns and speaking with the Wal-Mart Supercenter's Management, it was determined that the store would reopen shortly after 1:00 pm. It is our understanding that a similar incident had happened at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Weaverville, NC earlier this week. At this time, we are still reviewing surveillance footage. At this time, we cannot release any further information on the actual threat itself due to further investigation. This investigation will remain open until otherwise noted. We will keep the public advised of any changes in the investigation. "The Murphy Police Department would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center, Cherokee County EMS, Cherokee County Emergency Management, Murphy Volunteer Fire Department (Station 11) and the Asheville Police Department (Bomb Squad Division) for their assistance in this matter. We would also like to thank the shoppers and employees at the Wal-Mart Supercenter during this time for remaining orderly during the evacuation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone." Thank You, Justin J. Jacobs Chief of Police The following press release has been issued by Town of Murphy Police Department. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On Monday, March 5, 2018 at approximately 3:11 pm, a Murphy Police Officer noticed a white Dodge truck traveling west on Valley River Avenue at Hilton Street. The vehicle matched the description of a stolen vehicle from Cherokee County. The Murphy Police Officer notified other Officers of the vehicle's location in an attempt to get the vehicle stopped for investigation. Officers observed the vehicle turning onto Central Street in Murphy traveling toward Valley River Avenue. Officers confirmed that the vehicle was a reported stolen vehicle and initiated their blue lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle and apprehend the suspects. The suspect vehicle refused to stop for Officers containing to travel on Central Street onto Valley River Avenue east bound. Officers pursued the suspect vehicle from the Murphy area to the Hanging Dog community where the chase ended at Hidden Waters Drive on Tribal land after a foot pursuit. Heather Hamby was arrested at the stolen vehicle. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office along with the Cherokee Indian Police assisted with the foot pursuit of the two male suspects that fled from the vehicle. Timothy McCoy the driver was arrested after he fled from the vehicle on foot. The third suspect Jamie Allen was arrested the next day in Murphy. Timothy Jeffery McCoy was charged with Possession of stolen motor vehicle, Flee/Elude arrest with a motor vehicle, Reckless Driving to Endanger, two counts of speeding in a school zone, Resisting Public Officer. McCoy was also served with a warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle in a previous case. McCoy was given a $15000.00 secured bond by the Cherokee County Magistrate. Heather Hamby was charged with Possession of stolen vehicle, Resisting Public Officer. Hamby was given a $5000.00 secure bond by the Cherokee County Magistrate. Jamie Lee Allen was charged with Possession of stolen vehicle, Resisting Public Officer. Allen was given a $5000.00 unsecure bond by the Cherokee County Magistrate. The Murphy Police Department would like to thank the Cherokee County Emergency 911 Dispatch, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee Indian Police and the North Carolina Highway Patrol for assistance in this situation in an attempt to bring the suspects to justice.  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 4th, 2018 arrest of 36-year-old James Donald Taylor II, of Andrews North Carolina for Second Degree Murder. On March 4th, 2018 the Cherokee County 911 Communications Center received a call for service to an address in Andrews, North Carolina. The nature of the call was that a female inside the residence had been shot. While law enforcement and emergency services personnel were en route to the scene, further information became known that Taylor had fled the scene in a small unknown make and model vehicle. Additional information was later given that Taylor was still armed. Information was broadcast giving information concerning the make and model of vehicle that Taylor was occupying. A short time later, a deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office observed the vehicle inside the town limits of Murphy. A felony stop was initiated which included several officers of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and Murphy Police Department. During the arrest of Taylor, information was later made known that the victim was deceased. Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Agents of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation worked late into the night continuing the investigation and seizing several items of evidence from the Andrews, North Carolina residence. Taylor has been booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on the charge of Second Degree Murder. Currently Taylor has no bond. Sheriff Palmer stated, “This investigation is in its early stages as we continue to collect information. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and the community as we all experience this loss. We appreciate the assistance that has been provided by the Murphy Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.” Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case, or 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. 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 March 01st, 2018 arrest of 33 year old Jennifer Renee Ploof, of Rome Georgia and 41 year old Dustin Eugene Mcclure of Marble North Carolina for charges involving the trafficking of methamphetamine. On March 01st, 2018 a K-9 Deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office while on patrol observed the vehicle Ploof and Mcclure were occupying, speeding and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to immediately stop at which time another deputy arrived to assist with the stop. While deputies were attempting to stop the vehicle the passenger was observed throwing a plastic bag from the window. Once the vehicle was stopped and upon approaching the vehicle the Deputies observed a crystalline substance on the passenger. The deputies also recovered the plastic bag thrown from the vehicle which contained a quantity of a crystalline substance. Both the substance on the passenger and from the bag recovered were tested and produced a positive result for Methamphetamine. An additional amount of crystalline substance was recovered from the floor and door of the vehicle, along with digital scales. Approximately 34 grams or a little over 1 ounce of methamphetamine was seized during the arrest. Jennifer Renee Ploof was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center for TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. She was released after making a $25,000.00 secure bond. She has a March 06th 2018, District Court date. Dustin Eugene Mcclure was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center and remains under a $25,000.00 secure bond for TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Mcclure has a March 06th, 2018 court date. Sheriff Palmer stated “Another battle won in our war on drugs in Cherokee County. What was taken off the street today potentially cost these dealers a little over $3,000.00, but the amount is immeasurable when looking at the potential lives that could be saved.” 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. |
