Ex-volunteer Firefighter arrested for Embezzlement

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 31st, 2016 arrest of 32-year-old Brandon Scott Goforth, who gave a Hayesville, North Carolina address for charges stemming from an embezzlement of funds investigation involving a local volunteer fire department.

During an audit of funds being held by the Culberson Volunteer Fire Department, several discrepancies were noticed which were brought to the attention of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. During the 3 month investigation, it was alleged that Goforth converted funds in excess of $50,000 for his personal use.

Goforth was arrested and charged with 17 counts of Embezzlement of Funds and 17 Counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretense. Goforth was released upon making a $10,000 secure bond and is scheduled to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 15th , 2016.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “We appreciate the boldness and honesty of current members that brought this to our attention and glad to see the current board has and is continuing to make changes to ensure a stricter accounting procedure is in place.”

​Sheriff Palmer encourages anyone with 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. 

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