Murphy man charged with indecent liberties with a child

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 June 5th, 2018 arrest of Dawson Michael Burris, a 18 year old Murphy, North Carolina man for a sexual assault on a child.

On or about May 13th, 2018, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into a reported child sexual assault which happened in the Marble Community of Cherokee County. During the investigation, assistance was provided by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center. As the investigation progressed information was gained which was presented to the June 4th, 2018 Cherokee County Grand Jury which returned a true bill of indictment against Burris for an Indecent Liberty with a Child.

Dawson Michael Burris was arrested at his residence without incident and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate where he was given a $50,000.00 secure bond. Burris is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 2nd, 2018.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Great team work by our Patrol Deputies, our Investigators and HAVEN. It is this kind of team work that allows us to be successful in these most difficult of crimes.”

​Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim no further information will be released concerning this incident.

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.