Murphy – Five people were arrested following a long-term drug investigation into drug trafficking centered on a residence at 296 Hampton Church Road.
On Feb. 22, Cherokee County sheriff’s detectives executed a search warrant at the residence, located halfway between Murphy and Peachtree, and seized about 202 grams of methamphetamine, an amount of fentanyl and numerous other drug-related items, according to the sheriff’s office.
Five people were arrested:
 |
Horace William “Bubs” Moneymaker, 56, of Murphy, was arrested and charged with mid-level trafficking in methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell/manufacture/deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for keeping/selling controlled substances, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl), possession with intent to sell/manufacture/deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail for him was set at $125,000 secured bond
 |
Joel Lynn Finley, 42, of Murphy, was arrested and charged with mid-level trafficking in methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell/manufacture/deliver methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail was set at $125,000 secured bond.
 |
Whitney Paige Gibson, 29, of Bryson City, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl), simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance (Xanax) and possession of drug paraphernalia, then released from custody on Feb. 23.
 |
Cristin Elise Stinchcomb, 43, of Murphy, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, then released from custody on Feb. 23.
 |
Joseph Dakota Whitener, 22, of Murphy, was arrested on active warrants for arrest for resisting public officer and felony larceny, then released on Feb. 25.