Greensboro
Slain officer is honored
On April 14, Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood and members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office joined state leaders and law enforcement families at Lawndale Baptist Church for the 41st annual N.C. Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony.
Hosted by Attorney General Jeff Jackson, the solemn event honored law enforcement professionals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony held deep significance for Cherokee County as it memorialized Sgt. Francisco Flattes, who was killed in the line of duty in June 2025.
Wood attended the ceremony as the personal escort for Tresia Flattes, Flattes’ widow. Capt. Sean Myers also attended, serving as Mrs. Flattes’ Memorial Honor Guard.
“We are asked every day to put on our uniform and run towards danger,” Wood said. “Today it is our honor to be able to say thank you to the officers and their families who have made this great sacrifice.”
The ceremony provided a space for the community and fellow officers to reflect on Flattes’ dedicated service to his county, state and country.
“We owe them a debt, and I am happy to be the one to stand with Mrs. Flattes to show how much gratitude we hold for her and her family,” Myers added
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to honoring the legacy of Flattes and supporting the families of all those who serve.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Cherokee County through proactive law enforcement, community engagement and the preservation of peace and justice, according to a release.
Cherokee County burn ban still in effect
A burn ban issued in Cherokee County and the Town of Murphy since March 28 is still in effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited, except for burning charcoal or propane in a grill, fireplace, or fire pit.
Cherokee County and much of western North Carolina are in the midst of a extreme drought, according to U.S. Drought Monitor.
Murphy
Drug search for inmates
In early April, staff at the Cherokee County Detention Center observed behavior that raised concerns about the possible presence of controlled substances within the facility.
An immediate facility-wide search did not uncover contraband; however, follow-up interviews conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division identified individuals who may have been involved in the distribution of illegal substances.
As a result, procedures were implemented to separate these individuals from the general population. During this process, detention staff recovered suspected contraband concealed on the person of Ricky LeRoy Leistra Jr., 46, of Andrews. The substance was tested and confirmed to be 12.09 grams of fentanyl.
Leistra has been charged with trafficking in fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance in a prison/jail premises. Following his appearance before a magistrate, he was ordered held without bond.
A subsequent investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division into how the substance entered the detention center led to the issuance of arrest warrants for Jeremiah Richard Green, 40, of Mineral Bluff, Ga. Green is wanted on charges of trafficking in fentanyl and possession of a controlled substance in a prison/jail premises.
Green is in custody in Georgia for a trafficking in fentanyl offense that occurred this month.
Sheriff Chris Wood said, “No facility is ever 100% secure. It is our responsibility to implement policies and procedures that mitigate risk within our detention center. In this case, I am extremely proud of our staff for identifying a potential issue, following proper procedures and resolving the situation. Our goal remains to operate the safest facility in the state.”
Cherokee County
Couple arrested on truancy charge
Robert James Kolar, 74, and Robin Kelly Kolar, 65, were arrested on April 17 without incident at their residence in Murphy in connection with violations of North Carolina’s compulsory school attendance law.
This case was the result of a joint effort between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Cherokee County Schools Truancy Prevention Program.
An investigation determined that the defendants, acting as guardians of a school-age child, failed to ensure the child’s regular attendance at the assigned public school during the 2025–26 academic year.
School officials followed the required statutory process by notifying the guardians after multiple unexcused absences. Notifications were issued after the third and sixth unexcused absences, advising of the child’s excessive absences and potential violation of state law. After the 10th unexcused absence, school administration met with the guardians and the child to address the issue and assess compliance efforts.
Despite these interventions, the investigation found that a good-faith effort to comply with the compulsory attendance law was not made. Records were reviewed that showed these individuals were responsible for the child they had guardianship over having more than 70 unexcused absences.
Both individuals were charged accordingly and later released on unsecured bonds. They are scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on May 5. This case has also been referred to Cherokee County Department of Social Services for investigation.
“All children deserve the opportunity to receive an education, and North Carolina law makes it clear that school attendance is not optional,” Sheriff Chris Wood said. “Common sense should always be applied when evaluating these types of cases. In this case, the sheer number of absences dictated action by law enforcement.
"We will continue working alongside our school partners to ensure that parents and guardians are held accountable when all other interventions have failed. As a community, we need to work together to ensure that every child in Cherokee County has the opportunity to succeed.”
Marble
Man faces sex charges
A Cherokee County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment on April 13 charging Jason Lewis Gibby, 49, of Marble, with serious child sex offenses.
Gibby faces the following charges:
• Two counts of statutory rape of a child by an adult.
• Two counts of incest with a child under 13 by a defendant greater than four years older.
• One count of indecent liberties with a child.
Later that day, detectives from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, assisted by deputies from the patrol division, served a search warrant at Gibby’s residence. He was taken into custody without incident, and several electronic devices were seized as evidence.
Gibby was initially held in the Cherokee County Detention Center without bond. He has since been granted a $250,000 secured bond, with the condition that he submit to electronic monitoring within 15 days of any release.
The investigation remains active. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and potential charges.
Anyone with information related to this case, or who believes they may have been a victim, is strongly encouraged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 828-837-2589.
“Cases involving crimes against children are among the most serious and disturbing we investigate,” Sheriff Chris Wood said. “Our office is committed to pursuing these cases aggressively and ensuring that victims are heard and protected. I want to commend our investigators for their diligence in this case, and I strongly encourage anyone with information to come forward. You will be treated with respect, and your information could be critical in protecting others.”
Martins Creek
Pursuit leads to drug charges
With assistance from Clay County Sheriff's Office, a Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office narcotics agent attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on Floyd Stalcup Road on April 14.
The driver failed to stop and fled, prompting a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when the suspect crashed the vehicle. No serious injuries were reported.
The suspect was identified as Kevin Dewayne Durden, 52, of Blairsville, Ga., who was wanted in both Cherokee and Clay counties on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine.
During a subsequent search, agents recovered approximately one pound of methamphetamine, 1.9 grams of Fentanyl, oxycodone pills and $2,741 in cash.
Durden had been attempting to conceal his identity by wearing a wig.
He was taken into custody and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center. He has been charged with multiple offenses related to trafficking methamphetamine and is being held on a $250,000 secured bond. Additional charges are expected.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
“I’ve said it before, if you are trafficking drugs in this county, we are coming,” Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when. I am proud of the professionalism and determination shown by our Narcotics and Criminal Investigations Divisions. Because of their actions, this suspect’s reckless behavior did not harm our community. We will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our citizens.”
Arrests
The following people were booked through the Cherokee County Detention Center from April 12-18, 2026, and federal law enforcement officers handled the cases. Those whose names appear should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty. To report criminal activity, citizens may call the automated tip line at 828-837-1344.
Caine Tyler Burnette, Andrews, 35, 4-12, extradition/fugitive other state.
Colton Alexander Fox, Robbinsville, 28, 4-12, failure to appear on a felony, possess methamphetamine.
Priscilla Marie Leonard, Murphy, 44, 4-12, second-degree trespass, local ordinance – free text.
Odis Zachary Luther, Andrews, 34, 4-12, possess methamphetamine.
Gregory Edward Edison, N.C., 55, 4-13, resisting public officer, second-degree trespass.
Tyler Joseph Morgan, Bryson City, 26, 4-13, simple assault, misdemeanor larceny.
Verena Jane Mosteller, Marble, 32, 4-13, two counts felony probation violation out of county, felony probation violation out of county – CITE.
Mary Sky Prather, Ellijay, Ga., 31, 4-13, safekeeping.
Christopher Allen Vaughn, Murphy, 49, 4-13, driving while impaired, fail to maintain lane control, fail to stop at stop sign/flashing red light.
Samantha Lynn Bailey, Murphy, 40, 4-14, misdemeanor larceny.
Tanya Marie Chastain, Murphy, 43, 4-14, misdemeanor larceny, two counts shoplifting concealment of goods.
Kevin Dewayne Durden, Blairsville, Ga., 52, 4-14, two counts failure to appear on a felony, two counts flee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle, possess methamphetamine, possess with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver methamphetamine, two counts maintain place for controlled substance, aggressive driving, two counts traffic in methamphetamine, possess with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver schedule II controlled substance, simple possession of schedule II controlled substance, possess drug paraphernalia.
Jason Lewis Gibby, Marble, 51, 4-14, true bill of indictment.
Jordan Kaula Bateman, Andrews, 35, 4-15, impede traffic demonstration.
Robert David Blankenship, Murphy, 42, 4-15, violate domestic violence protection order.
Victor James Clark, Robbinsville, 20, 4-15, holding for other agency.
Rachael Darlene Crisp, Andrews, 43, 4-15, failure to appear on a misdemeanor.
Joshua Edward Jumper, Robbinsville, 39, 4-15, holding for other agency.
Amber Irene Paskell, Bryson City, 41, 4-15, holding for other agency, two counts probation violation, failure to appear on a misdemeanor.
Lisa Bauser Mata, Andrews, 48, 4-16, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Travis Connor Newton, Andrews, 19, 4-16, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Justin Lee Phillips, Murphy, 38, 4-16, failure to appear on a felony.
Carrie Rebecca Abernethy, Andrews, 41, 4-17, weekender.
Lee Odell Conard, Murphy, 48, 4-17, resisting public officer, driving while license revoked not impaired revoked, reckless driving to endanger.
Hannah Lynn Garrison, Robbinsville, 30, 4-17, holding for other agency.
Robert James Kolar, Murphy, 74, 4-17, school attendance law violation.
Robin Kelly Kolar, Murphy, 65, 4-17, school attendance law violation.
Barbara Danielle Prince, Topton, 48, 4-17, possess schedule II controlled substance.
Keith Douglas Jones, Robbinsville, 52, 4-18, holding for other agency.
Amanda Elaine McGaha, Marble, 44, 4-18, driving while impaired.