Murphy man makes plea to indecent liberties with a child

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

Murphy, NC— On August 1st, 2018 Dawson Michael Burris, an 18-year-old Murphy, North Carolina man was sentenced to 13 months to 25 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections by the Honorable Athena F Brooks for taking Indecent Liberties with a Child. Burris was placed on Supervised Probation for a period of 36 months and is required to register as a sex offender for 30 years.

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 and 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.

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

​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.