Jackson County Sheriff's Office NC

10/14/2026

We would like to address the rumors that was published by the Sylva Herald. First of all, we couldn’t believe they would publish such rumors without waiting on the information that was going to be provided through a public records request. The request was made on October 01,2026 at 12:04 pm. A follow up email was sent on October 5, 2026 09:35 am referring to their deadline being noon the next day. We try to respond to these in a timely manner, but we don’t work on a news media deadline.

In regards to the rumors at hand about warrantless drone searches, destroying personal property, not storing property without correct impoundment laws, and placing signs on DOT right of way.

The Sheriff’s had received complaints about a homeless encampment on a property on Cope Creek Road near 107. We located the property owner and received permission to remove any persons from the property. The owner had not given anyone permission to be there.

We were given permission to be on the property by the owner at Cope Creek on 03/01/2026. On 04/02/2026 we responded to the Cope Creek Property, and located 6 individuals on the property with multiple tent sites. Two of those were arrested on outstanding warrants for trespassing at another location. The Others were told to move on before they would be charged for trespassing. The area was littered with tents and trash. The other individuals were given 48-72 hours to be gone from the property. Two of the individuals did not heed the warning and were later arrested for trespassing. We also had one person we assisted with retrieving their belongings.

We did deploy our drone on an adjacent property with permission granted by the property owner. We did not fly over the encampment even though we had permission to do so.

Photographs showing the condition of the property were taken by Sheriff Farmer, after all subjects had vacated the property, see those attached. We did not destroy any property or remove any items from the property. The no trespassing signs were placed at the encampment access beyond the DOT right of way.

In North Carolina Trespassing on private property occurs when an Individual enters and remains on private property without permission which can lead to criminal charges. The law distinguishes between first- degree and second –degree trespassing, with first degree being more serious and involving enclosed or secured areas.

The amount of trash and f***s left behind can cause safety and environmental hazards. We encourage property owners and residents to report individuals to the Sheriff’s Office if individuals are occupying their property without permission.

We will continue to respond to trespassing, littering or any other crimes that threaten private property. We appreciate the support we receive from our communities and for being our eyes and ears, as we cannot be everywhere all the time.

09/29/2026

09/22/2026

09/08/2026

The scam calls have started back claiming to be a member of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office stating that there is a warrant out for the called parties arrest and they will have to pay money or they will be arrested. Again, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office will never call anyone and ask for money for any reason. Please advise your elderly family and friends of this scam.

09/08/2026

On September 4, 2026, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU), in coordination with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Criminal Suppression Unit, conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 74 near the Sylva area at the Catamount Pump & Go.

The traffic stop was conducted as part of an ongoing joint narcotics enforcement operation between Jackson and Haywood counties.

During the course of the traffic stop and subsequent investigation, suspected narcotics were thrown from the vehicle. Deputies located the suspected narcotics, which ultimately led to probable cause for a search of the vehicle.

As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 23.55 grams of suspected Fentanyl and approximately 6.1 grams of suspected Crack Co***ne.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:
Darrell Lee Driver of Whittier, NC
• Trafficking in Fentanyl Possession (Level II)
• Trafficking in Fentanyl Transportation (Level II)
• Felony Possession of Co***ne
• Alter/Destroy/Steal Criminal Evidence
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Feather Lace Crowe of Whittier, NC
• Trafficking in Fentanyl Possession (Level II)
• Trafficking in Fentanyl Transportation (Level II)
• Felony Possession of Co***ne
• Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place CS
• Possess Drug Paraphernalia

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Haywood County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to working together to identify and disrupt the distribution of illegal narcotics throughout the

08/31/2026

On Tuesday 8/25/2026 Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted the NC Department of Adult Corrections Probation and Parole with a home visit at a residence in the Balsam community due to reports of drug activity at the residence. The owner of the residence was an active Probationer with NC Department of Adult Corrections.

A subsequent search led to three arrests and a total of 11.63 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 2.88 grams of suspected fentanyl, and around $1,000 in cash, all suspected to be used in the sale of illegal narcotics

The charges are as follows:

Vanessa Russell
Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Fentanyl
Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Methamphetamine
Possession of Fentanyl
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Garrett Hoyle
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Tabitha Henry
Order for arrest: Trespassing

These actions by Jackson County Patrol Deputies exemplify their dedication to the citizens of the county by going beyond the call for service to proactively assist in keeping individuals still within the corrections system in-line. It also demonstrates their ability to work as a team with different agencies to accomplish the mission.

08/31/2026

On Friday 8/28/2026 Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), with the assistance of Sylva Police Department (SPD), responded to a call for service in the Webster community. The caller requested Patrol Deputies respond to their residence due to an individual wielding a hatchet, using said hatchet to cause massive amounts of property damage. The caller stated the individual had also entered the house during his reign of terror.

Deputies responded emergency traffic but when they arrived on scene the suspect, identified by the caller as Joseph Cain Luker, had fled the scene. Unsure if the suspect would return, Deputies remained on scene and determined swift action was needed to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property. Deputies on scene requested the assistance of a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS), or more commonly referred to as a “drone”.

Once on scene the drone was able to locate the suspect lying down in a wooded area in less than 30 minutes. A ground team composed of JCSO Deputies and SPD Officers then went on a short manhunt through creeks, over barbed wire, and through thick underbrush that was still wet from the evenings rain. Ground teams were walked in to the suspect’s position, who then fled further into the woods, but was still being tracked by the drone. This allowed the ground team to simply follow his trail. The suspect walked out of the woods and turned himself in to Deputies tired and wet.

The Sheriff’s Office maintains a drone program by licensing pilots and registering drones through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These drones are only operated within the legal constraints set by the FAA, and North Carolina General Statutes. They fly numerous missions including but not limited to search and rescue, locating fleeing suspects, scene surveillance, and ex*****on of search warrants. They are an invaluable tool to aid Deputies and search parties on the ground and add another layer of safety by being able to put eyes on an individual before anyone is put in harm’s way.

Joseph Cain Luker was arrested on an outstanding warrant for arrest for second degree trespass, and also charged with injury to personal property (totaling in the thousands of dollars) and five counts of resisting public officer.

This incident represents Law Enforcement’s dedication to the community. Instead of calling it quits after the suspect left the scene, Deputies and Officers remained on scene to ensure security of life and property. They then operated advanced technologies maintained by the Sheriff’s Office to locate, pursue, and bring the perpetrator to justice, not pausing to think of the danger of chasing an armed suspect through thick woods at night. It also embodies the strong team bonds formed with other local agencies who frequently are needed in such incidents.