Cherokee County Sheriff's Office NC

10/23/2026

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Cherokee Indian Police Department during this difficult time.

Our hearts go out to the entire department, their families, and all those affected by this loss. In times of sorrow, the law enforcement community stands together, united by a bond that extends far beyond the badge.

We ask our community to join us in keeping the men and women of the Cherokee Indian Police Department, their loved ones, and everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers.

To our brothers and sisters at the Cherokee Indian Police Department, please know that you are not alone. We stand with you in support, sympathy, and solidarity.

-Sheriff Chris Wood and the Men and Women of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

10/20/2026

SCHEDULED PHONE SYSTEM OUTAGE FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office will be receiving a scheduled update to our telephone system on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

The update will be implemented in phases throughout the day and may result in temporary interruptions to incoming calls to our administrative offices.

Emergency 911 services will remain operational. Anyone experiencing an emergency should dial 911.

If you experience difficulty reaching our administrative offices, we ask for your patience and encourage you to try your call again.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the public's understanding as work is completed to improve our communications system.

10/16/2026

CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF CHRIS WOOD OFFERS REMINDERS FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Wood want to wish you a happy Halloween! While you are planning your spooky celebrations, trick-or-treating outings and other festive activities, Sheriff Wood asks that you keep in mind these tips to help you and your family stay safe this Halloween!

Before you plan your trick-or-treating route, take a moment to check your local s*x offender registry at https://s*xoffender.ncsbi.gov/. At this webpage, you can view a map of registered s*x offenders’ addresses in your area and set up an alert that will notify you if a s*x offender moves to your area.

After you have your treat-seeking route all planned out, follow these simple tips to keep your little candy collectors safe:

• Inspect all candy before consuming – some manufacturers of potentially dangerous and intoxicating h**p products design their packaging to look just like regular candy.
• Always make sure there is a trusted adult present with younger children while trick-or-treating.
• Make sure kids who are old enough to set out on their own know to remain in familiar areas.
• Choose a costume with bright colors or add reflective tape so children can be seen at night!
• Choose costumes and masks that fit properly and do not obstruct vision or movement.
• Do not accept homemade treats!
• Only approach homes that are brightly lit.
Unfortunately, Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, so if you plan to be driving around your neighborhood amongst the trick-or-treaters, make sure to remain vigilant to prevent unnecessary tragedy. When driving on Halloween, remember:

• Make sure your headlights are on.
• Take an extra look at crosswalks and intersections for groups of trick-or-treaters crossing the road.
• Drive slowly through residential areas, even if you do not see any trick-or-treaters.
• Watch for children who may dart into the street.
• Do not text and drive. It is against the law in North Carolina.
• Do not wear costumes while driving that may obstruct your vision or make it difficult for you to react quickly behind the wheel.
If you plan to stay inside and hand out candy rather than joining the ghouls and goblins in your neighborhood, you can still help keep little ones safe:

• Keep your porch and driveway clear of any tripping hazards.
• Make sure your porch is well lit for trick-or-treaters.
• Only hand out unopened, pre-packaged candy and treats – bonus points for full-sized candy bars!
• Avoid potential fire-related accidents by using battery operated candles or glow sticks in your jack-o-lanterns and other décor.
• Make sure all pets are contained when you open your door.
Sheriff Wood is excited to join in on the festivities this year. “This Halloween doesn’t have to be scary – unless of course you want it to be! But let’s keep the scary fun! Be considerate of members of your community and work together to keep little ones safe while they collect their treats and enjoy this frightfully fantastic holiday!”

Be safe, and on behalf of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Happy Halloween!

10/15/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026

PROACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS LEAD TO ARREST OF UNREGISTERED S*X OFFENDER ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

MURPHY, N.C. – A collaborative effort between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Andrews Police Department has resulted in the arrest of David Allan Hughes, 38 of the Topton Community, following an investigation that revealed he had allegedly been residing in Cherokee County for several years without complying with North Carolina’s s*x offender registration requirements.

On October 12, 2026, proactive patrol efforts by a Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy and an Andrews Police Officer led to the discovery that Hughes, a convicted s*x offender, was potentially residing in Cherokee County without being properly registered. Information gathered during their encounters prompted an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 13, 2026, investigators began examining Hughes’ registration history and residency status. Through coordination with law enforcement agencies in multiple states, investigators determined that Hughes had previously been registered as a s*x offender in Colorado, with no record of registering in Cherokee County despite evidence indicating that he had established residency in the county as early as 2020.

Investigators also confirmed that Hughes remained subject to s*x offender registration requirements and had not obtained relief from those obligations through the court system.

Based on the findings of the investigation, a warrant was obtained for Hughes’ arrest for Failure to Register as a S*x Offender, in violation of North Carolina General Statute 14-208.11(a).

Later that day, members from multiple divisions of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Hughes’ residence where a fi***rm was found and Hughes was taken into custody without further incident, and investigators discovered a fi***rm allegedly in his possession.

Hughes was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where he was additionally charged with Possession of a Fi***rm by a Felon.

While in custody at the detention center, Hughes struck and extensively damaged a holding cell window, resulting in an additional charge of Injury to Real Property.

Sheriff Chris Wood praised the proactive efforts and cooperation that led to Hughes’ arrest.

“This arrest is a direct result of deputies and officers paying attention, taking initiative, and following through when something doesn't add up,” said Sheriff Wood. “S*x offender registration laws exist to protect our communities, and compliance with those laws is not optional. Moving into Cherokee County does not erase someone's legal obligation to register. I commend our deputies, investigators, and the Andrews Police Department for their diligence and teamwork in identifying this violation and holding this individual accountable. We will continue to aggressively enforce these requirements to help keep our community safe.”

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reminds all individuals subject to s*x offender registration requirements that they are responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable state laws. The passage of time alone does not automatically terminate an individual's registration obligations. Eligible offenders must obtain the necessary court approval before being relieved of those requirements.

Hughes faces the following charges:
• Failure to Register as a S*x Offender
• Possession of a Fi***rm by a Felon
• Injury to Real Property

Hughes has since posted a $50,000.00 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on October 27, 2026.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive enforcement, interagency cooperation, and ensuring that individuals required to register as s*x offenders are held accountable for complying with the law.

All individuals charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026

Wanted Fugitive Arrested on Multiple Outstanding Warrants

Shortly after midnight on October 14, 2026, a member of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division conducted a traffic stop in the Ranger community. During the stop, the driver provided law enforcement with a name and date of birth. Agents quickly determined that the individual was attempting to conceal his true identity and worked to establish his identity.

The individual was identified as Ashton Blake Williamson, 23, who was found to have multiple outstanding Failure to Appear warrants, as well as a Probation Violation warrant. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed electronic scales and a substance of unknown origin.

Williamson was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center. The outstanding warrants originated from Jackson County and Swain County. Following an appearance before a magistrate, Williamson was issued a secured bond of $25,000.

Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood stated, “Our deputies do a fantastic job of conducting thorough investigations and maintaining situational awareness, even during routine traffic stops. Mr. Williamson’s attempt to conceal his identity did not prevent our deputies from identifying him and holding him accountable for his outstanding warrants. I commend our deputies for their diligence and professionalism in locating and taking a wanted individual into custody.”

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/03/2026

Remembering one of our own heros.

Deputy Sheriff Zack Ramsey was shot and killed by a man he attempted to arrest at his home in Murphy for failure to submit to vaccination.

09/29/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Trafficking Arrest

On September 24, 2026, members of the Cherokee County Special Operations Division conducted a traffic stop in the area of Mission Road.

During the traffic stop, the driver attempted to evade law enforcement by pulling into the driveway of a private citizen and offering the homeowner $50 to allow him inside in an attempt to avoid law enforcement.
Deputies made contact with the driver, Terry Joseph McMichael, 43, of Hiawassee, Georgia, and quickly developed probable cause to search the vehicle.

As a result of the search, deputies seized approximately 4.5 grams of fentanyl, 78 grams of methamphetamine, and 145 grams of ma*****na, along with $802 in U.S. currency.
McMichael was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.

McMichael faces the following charges:
• Felony Trafficking in Fentanyl by Possession
• Felony Trafficking in Fentanyl by Transport
• Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession
• Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transport
• Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Ma*****na (PWIMSD)
• Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance

McMichael is currently being held without bond at the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood stated: “Mr. McMichael is not from Cherokee County but made the erroneous decision to come here and peddle illegal drugs. I have made myself abundantly clear that we will not tolerate it. Either stay where you are or enjoy your stay at the Cherokee County Detention Center. This is our county, and we are taking it back.”

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/25/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2026

WANTED INDIVIDUAL LOCATED AND ARRESTED

On September 24, 2026, Cherokee County E-911 received a call from a concerned citizen reporting that Nathan O'Neil Hass was walking along US 64 West. Mr. Hass had several outstanding warrants locally, as well as being wanted on a parole violation in Monroe County, TN.

Members of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division responded to the area and located Hass near Little Ranger Road. Hass initially provided deputies with a false name; however, patrol members were able to positively identify him.

Hass was served with outstanding warrants for Larceny, Shoplifting, and Illegal Possession of Lottery Tickets, with a $2,500 secured bond set on those charges.

Hass was also served with a fugitive warrant stemming from an outstanding parole violation warrant related to a 1999 homicide in Monroe County, Tennessee. A $10,000 secured bond was set on the fugitive charge.

Sheriff Chris Wood credited the public for their assistance in helping locate and apprehend Hass.

“Our office had sought Mr. Hass for quite some time with little success. Public support and information are so important to law enforcement's success in a rural county like Cherokee County. Each time a citizen is willing to get involved, it gives our office another set of eyes. I appreciate everything that the public has done to help us this last seven months.”

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the citizens who continue to provide information and assist our deputies. Community involvement plays an important role in keeping Cherokee County safe.

09/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Narcotics Arrest

On September 15, 2026, a member of the Special Operations Division conducted a traffic stop in the Peachtree community. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ernest Sherman, and the passenger was identified as Melissa Wright.
During the course of the traffic stop, probable cause was developed to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located approximately 11 grams of suspected methamphetamine packaged in five individual baggies, approximately one-half ounce of ma*****na, and suspected hydrocodone.

The suspected controlled substances were found in Wright’s possession. Wright was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Wright was charged with:
• Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
• Misdemeanor Possession of Ma*****na, up to one-half ounce
• Simple Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Wright appeared before a North Carolina Magistrate Judge, who issued a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Sheriff Chris Wood stated, “Our deputies remain committed to proactive enforcement efforts that help keep illegal narcotics off our streets and hold those who possess these substances accountable. Thank you to the community for the continued support of our efforts and thank you to this Deputy for his outstanding work.”

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2026

Larceny Call for Service Leads to Arrest of Wanted Individual

On September 22, 2026, Cherokee County E-911 received a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The information was immediately relayed to the Patrol Division, who responded and began efforts to locate the vehicle.
A member of the Special Operations Division subsequently located the vehicle at Joe Brown Market. Skylene Summerfield Kilpatrick, who was identified as the individual reported to have taken the vehicle, was located inside the store.

Kilpatrick was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant stemming from a July incident in Cherokee County. The Special Operations Agent took Kilpatrick into custody on the outstanding warrant. During the arrest process, Kilpatrick was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner.

Kilpatrick was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where she was charged with:
• Felony Possession of Methamphetamine
• Felony Expose a Child to a Controlled Substance
• Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Felony Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
Kilpatrick is being held on a $140,000 secured bond. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood stated: “This was perfect coordination between the Patrol Division and Special Operations Division. From the time dispatch received the call to the time we located the vehicle was 34 minutes. We recovered the vehicle and were able to take a wanted individual off the street. Great work by all involved.”

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.