Cherokee County man sentenced for 20+ years for Child Sexual Assault

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

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that during the June 6th setting of the Cherokee County Superior Court Gary Lee Mitchell made a plea to one count of First Degree Sex Offense With a Child. Mitchell was sentenced by the Honorable Jeffrey P. Hunt to an active sentence of no less than 240 months to 280 months and upon release register as a sex offender for life.

During the month of April 2014, allegations were made to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office that Mitchell had engaged in a sexual act with a child under 13 years of age.  With the assistance of the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, investigators were able to gather enough information to present the case to the North Carolina Magistrate who issued an arrest a warrant for Mitchell’s arrest. Mitchell was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on May 7th, 2014 where he remained until he was transferred to the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “An excellent example of teamwork such as involving HAVEN Child Advocacy Center as well as keeping our Assistant District Attorney informed early in our investigations that we are able to bring these horrible cases to resolve. My Office and my staff continue to protect our youth!”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov. 

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