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— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 25th, 2015 arrest of 19 year old Luke Virtanen, 17 year old Brandy Moore, 18 year old David Earwood, all who gave Andrews, North Carolina addresses on multiple counts of breaking and entering and larceny.  A fourth individual was detained and released due to being a juvenile.

The U.S. Forest Service released a draft decision to issue a special use authorization to the Laurel Creek Property Owners Association providing the association access across National Forest System lands to private property surrounded by National Forest System (NFS) lands located on the Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest.