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

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the May 26th, 2016 arrest of 36-year-old Robert Corliss Reed of Turtletown, Tennessee, 38-year-old Kellie Morrow of Murphy, North Carolina, and 32-year-old Brian Christopher Cordell of Murphy, North Carolina on charges resulting from a report of theft.

At about 9 am on Thursday, May 26th, 2016, officers were dispatched to the area of Genny Hughes Road, off of Pack Mountain in Cherokee County, to investigate a report of individuals stealing from a residence.

As the officers were responding to the area, the reporting party had cut a tree down to prevent the escape of the three individuals. The three individuals fled from the scene down a road until they high grounded their vehicle. Officers located the three and arrested them. During the arrest, illegally possessed controlled substances were found and seized as well.  The value of the property being stolen was about $2,000.00.

Morrow was arrested placed under a $1,000.00 secure bond on the following charges: FELONY LARCENY, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, SIMPLE POSSESSION SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS MARIJUANA UP TO 1/2 OZ.

Reed was arrested and placed under a $1,000.00 secure bond on the following charges: FELONY LARCENY, SIMPLE POSSESSION SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.

Cordell was arrested and placed under a $1,000.00 secure bond on the following charges: FELONY LARCENY, SIMPLE POSSESSION SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.

Morrow, Reed and Cordell are currently being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center awaiting a June 1st, 2016 Cherokee County District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “As you can see, these folks were from around the area where they were stealing from. They also were found with drugs on them. We continue to work as a team to combat our crime menace. I want to commend the officers on their quick response to a remote area of the county and being diligent in continuing the chase to apprehend these three.”

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 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 May 12th, 2016 arrest of 43-year-old Oliver David Mosier of Kennesaw, Georgia, and 26-year-old Carl Henry Kazmirski of Marietta, Georgia for breaking and entering and stealing from a Cherokee County, North Carolina residence.

At about 11:35 am on the 12th of May 2016, the Cherokee County Emergency Communications Center received an alarm at a residence in the Culberson Community of Cherokee County, North Carolina. Upon arrival, officers found Mosier in the act of setting items of antique silver and electronics outside the residence. Mosier was detained and Kazmirski was found inside the residence where he was detained. During the investigation, it was determined that a DVR was disabled in an effort to secret Mosier’s and Kazmirski’s presence at the residence.

Mosier and Kazmirski were arrested on scene and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center. The Cherokee County Magistrate set a $3,500.00 secure bond on both. Mosier has posted bond while Kazmirski remains in the Cherokee County Detention Center. Both are expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 01st, 2016.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “It is nice to catch these folks in the act of committing the crime. We have rearranged some of our response and coverage methods and hopefully you will see more of these types of arrests.”

​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 USDA Forest Service announced that it is opening the Panther Top Fire Tower to the public for viewing on selected dates. This Forest Service fire tower is normally closed to the public.

The Panther Top Fire Tower is located in Cherokee County, near Hiwassee Lake.  The 40-foot tall lookout tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940.  Standing atop a 2,293 foot summit, the Panther Top Fire Tower is the lowest situated lookout tower in western North Carolina, and it is also the most western tower in the state.

The tower will be open to the public on the first Saturday of each month starting in June through October 2016. Additional days will be on Saturday and Sunday: October 29 & 30 and November 5 & 6. Hours will be 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  

​For more information, call the Tusquitee Ranger District Office at 828-837-5152.

The U.S Forest Service, in cooperation with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program, will sponsor a fun filled day of fishing on June 4, 2016.

All children ages 12 and under are invited to test their skills at the fishing derby, to be held at Cherokee Lake from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Pre-registration can be made at the U.S. Forest Service office, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration at the site will begin at 7:00 a.m. and will end at 9:00 a.m.

All children attending the event must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Snacks, drinks and fishing bait will be provided, but each participant will need to bring their own fishing pole.

For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 828-837-5152.

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

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the May 9th , 2016 arrest of 20-year-old Brandon Jacob Luder, a Murphy, North Carolina for violating conditions of his release.

In May 2015, a complaint was made to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office by an adult female that Luder had sexually assaulted her. Pursuant to that allegation, an investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the matter was submitted to the January 4, 2016 setting of the Cherokee County Grand Jury. Upon consideration by the Grand Jury, Indictments for Second Degree Rape and Sexual Battery were handed down against Luder.

Luder was arrested without incident at his residence and booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center where the North Carolina Magistrate set a $102,000 secure bond.

Subsequent to the arrest, Luder was released on a secure bond on April 5th, 2016. As part of his conditions of release, Luder was required to submit to electronic monitoring.

On May 9th, 2016, Chief Deputy Thigpen and Investigators of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were investigating information pertaining to controlled substance use and abuse in the Hanging Dog Community of Cherokee County. Near the entrance of Hanging Dog Campground, a female was encountered who had been accompanying Luder. While questioning the female, information became known that Luder was in violation of the conditions of his bond. Deputies found Luder a short distance later and arrested him. During the arrest, it was found that Luder had cut off the ankle monitor and disabled it.

Luder is currently confined in the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $150,000.00 secure bond and has a July 11th, 2016 Cherokee County Superior Court date.

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 Town of Murphy Police Department.  

​Official Press Release #2

Location: 29 Sunrise St., Murphy, NC 28906
Defendant #1: Mr. Bryan Crisp
Victim #1: Mr. Kenneth Ryan Jones
Date of Incident: 05/10/2016
Time of Incident: 12:05 pm
Agencies Involved: Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee County Emergency Services, Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center, Cherokee County District Attorney's Office, Cherokee County Magistrate's Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Cherokee County School Resource Officers, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Chattanooga Police Department, Town of Murphy Maintenance and the Murphy Police Department.

The victim, Mr. Kenneth Ryan Jones, a 22 year old male, who is listed as having a Murphy, NC address, died  earlier this morning due to the injuries he received yesterday afternoon.  Mr. Jones received one gunshot wound to the head by a handgun after a confrontation with the suspect, Mr. Bryan Crisp.  Mr. Crisp is listed as having a Hayesville, NC address. Arrangements are currently being made regarding an autopsy that will take place in the next few days.  The autopsy will be performed in Sylva, NC.

Mr. Crisp is currently being held on a No Bond in the Polk County Sheriff's Office on the following charges:
 - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
 - Manufacture/Deliver/Sell Controlled Substance
 - Driving While Impaired
 - Possession of a Firearm by Felon
 - Flee to Elude Arrest
 - Reckless Driving
 - Speeding (100MPH in a 55MPH zone)
 - Failure to Maintain Lane
 - Fugitive from Justice

Currently, Mr. Crisp has been charged with following offenses here in Murphy:
 - Murder
 - Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury with Intent to Kill.
 - Possession of a Firearm by Felon
 - Discharging a Firearm in City Limits
 - Other Pending Charges as Case Progresses

Mr. Crisp will be extradited to Cherokee County pending a Governor's Warrant from the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office. This is due to Mr. Crisp being incarcerated in another state. 

Future charges are still pending for others involved during this incident that were present at the residence when the crime occurred. Assistant Chief Dustin D. Smith is the lead officer on this investigation.

"I want to personally thank all of the men and women from all of the assisting agencies that helped bring this unfortunate incident to an end. These dedicated men and women put their lives on the line everyday doing what they do. I would also kindly ask for everyone to respect the victim's family during this time." 

Due to the pending nature and charges of this investigation, this is all of the information that can be shared at this time. We will keep the general public informed as the investigation continues. 

Thank You,
Justin J. Jacobs
Chief of Police​

WKRK would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to the family, friends and all the loved ones of Mr. Kenneth Ryan Jones.  Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Volunteers from the Partners of the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness joined forces with the Cheoah Ranger District for a major work day on April 29 at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
 
More than 26 people removed hundreds of vines and invasive plants from the Memorial Loop Trail and fallen trees and brush from the entrance road. They also rehabilitated and greatly improved the ADA Accessible Picnic Area by removing old timbers, regrading and installing new timbers, and adding several tons of fill for the picnic site.
 
Volunteers donated more than 160 hours of labor for this project, in addition to the efforts of the Cheoah Ranger District personnel.
 
Through a combination of grants and private donations, the Partners provided a new entrance sign and rock base for the parking area at the Memorial Forest. Major funding came from MountainWise, a group funding healthy lifestyle initiatives in the area, and a Boots On The Ground Grant from the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, which provides funds for a variety of trail projects. Private donations of nearly $2,000 also helped fund the various projects on this work day.
 
The Partners of the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting the Forest Service in maintenance and upkeep of the Memorial Forest and surrounding wilderness, as well as nearby areas. The Partners also raise funds for special projects for the area.
 
Dedicated in 1936, this is the 80th Anniversary of the Memorial Forest. Hosting approximately 25,000-30,000 visitors annually, it is managed by the Nantahala National Forest as designated Wilderness. The Memorial Loop Trail is a two-mile long footpath through the "big trees" for which the Memorial Forest is known. For more information see http://go.usa.gov/cuHQx.

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

Robert Darrell Carter was tried and convicted last week during a session of Superior Court. 

Carter was under indictment for Trafficking in Opiates, Possession with Intent to Manufacture Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine and Possession of  Drug Paraphernalia. 

The trial concluded on Wednesday when the jury returned unanimous verdicts of guilty on all counts.  Carter was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Honorable Marvin Pope to 70 – 93 months in NC Department of Adult Corrections.  Sheriff Davis said the District Attorney’s office represented this case well and the outcome speaks for itself.  Testimony was heard from Clay County Sheriff’s Office Investigators as well as NCSBI Crime Lab personnel.  Sheriff Davis would like to thank jury members for their time and dedication to the county and for fulfilling their civic duty. ​

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

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the April 28th, 2016 arrest of Arnold Jack Godfrey, a 36-year-old Murphy, North Carolina man and the May 3rd, 2016 arrest of Gabriel Ray Palmer, a 39-year-old Murphy, North Carolina man for violations of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry.

​Both Godfrey and Palmer had been arrested on indictments for violations of the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry and had been released on bond pending their next Superior Court date.  Both Palmer and Godfrey had failed to come to court as required and warrants for their arrest were issued.

During November of 2015, Palmer moved from his residence in Murphy and failed to return his verification form. Indictments were issued from the Cherokee County Grand Jury charging Palmer with the two additional felony charges for the sex offender registry violations as well as indicting him as a Habitual Felon.

During the month of April 2016, Godfrey failed to report and failed to return his verification form. Indictments were issued by the Cherokee County Grand Jury for the additional sex offender registry violations. Additionally, Godfrey was found to have a civil order for arrest for back child support.

Godfrey is currently in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $39,762.00 secure bond with a July 11th, 2016 Superior Court date.

Palmer is currently in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $120,000.00 secure bond with a July 11th, 2016 Superior Court date.

Sheriff Palmer said, “My Office is committed to protecting the community including ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registry. The duties these individuals are required to follow are explained to them completely, notifications are mailed to them as reminders and we check on them on a regular basis, so it is hard to understand these issues of non-compliance.”

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.