Local pair arrested for manufacturing drugs

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 January 25th, 2016 arrest of 35-year-old Amy Renee Wertz, and 46-year-old William McKinley Cook both of Murphy, North Carolina following an investigation into the illegal possession of controlled substances in Cherokee County, North Carolina.

Following complaints provided from citizens in the Martins Creek community of Cherokee County, investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into individuals that were illegally possessing and manufacturing controlled substances.

On January 22nd, 2016, investigators conducted a search of a residence on Blackberry Bend which was reportedly the residence of Wertz and Cook who were not home at the time of the search. When investigators conducted the search, a small indoor grow of marijuana along with a “one pot” active meth lab as discovered. Appropriate measures were taken and the marijuana was seized as evidence and the meth lab was seized and later destroyed because of its volatile and dangerous nature.

On January 25th, 2016 Wertz and Craig were arrested at their residence for: 
MANUFACTURE SCHEDULE VI CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAINING A DWELLING FOR USE, POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA PARAPHERNALIA.

Both Wertz and Cook remain in the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $16,000.00 secure bond awaiting a February 10th, 2016 District Court date.

Sheriff Palmer stated, “even with weather hampering us, we were determined to shut this down. Being determined helped shut down a small marijuana grow but also shut down a very dangerous meth lab at the same time. I encourage our community to join the team to help us send the message we will not tolerate illegal drugs in Cherokee County.”

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.