Viviane Shae Cheeks
Citizens’ tip leads to drug trafficking arrests
On July 10, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a concerned citizen regarding suspected drug activity at an Airbnb in the Marble community. The individuals were identified as Bobby Huel Pastell and Viviane Shae Cheeks.
Pastell has twice been arrested in Graham County and charged with death by distribution. The first occurred in July 2021, following the March 25, 2021 death of 30-year-old Casey Allen Phillips. The case remained on the books until Oct. 28, 2024, when the District Attorney's office cited an inability to locate key witnesses and dropped the charge. In the aftermath of 35-year-old Peachtree resident Lauren Jane Sams passing away at a home in the Mountain Creek community Dec. 28, 2024, Pastell was again charged with death by distribution Jan. 14, 2025. A March 3, 2025 judgment from 30th District Court Judge Kaleb Wingate found that no probable cause was found to proceed with the charge.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office had already been conducting an ongoing investigation into Pastell and Cheeks and had information indicating they were involved in drug trafficking activities spanning multiple counties. Before deputies arrived, the suspects became aware that law enforcement was responding and fled the location.
Upon arriving at the residence, investigators recovered about 3 ounces of suspected fentanyl that had been left behind, along with Pastell’s driver’s license.
Sheriff Chris Wood and Chief Deputy Joe Wood, along with Cherokee County narcotics agents, immediately began coordinating investigative efforts, quickly determining the suspects had fled to Asheville.
Agents obtained arrest warrants and established communication with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the Asheville Police Department to coordinate their capture.
During the early morning hours of July 11, Cherokee County narcotics agents with support from Clay County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Asheville and worked alongside deputies from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Asheville Police Department to execute the warrants. The operation resulted in the successful apprehension of both Pastell and Cheeks without incident.
Both individuals are were being held in the Buncombe County Detention Facility and are facing multiple drug-related charges. Additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Chris Wood said, “This case is a perfect example of what can happen when citizens and law enforcement work together. The information provided by an alert citizen helped move this investigation forward, and I encourage anyone who sees suspicious or criminal activity to continue reporting it. Those calls truly make a difference. I’m also incredibly proud of the tireless work of our narcotics investigators, who acted quickly to locate these suspects and worked seamlessly with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the Asheville Police Department.”
Missing teen found after 2-hour search
CHEROKEE LAKE – Search and rescue took two hours on July 10 to find a missing 16-year-old boy in the Cherokee Lake area.
"It was only 2 hours from time of page to subject located," according to Cherokee County Emergency Management. "He was found before dark and before the rain. He was missing for approximately 6 hours and he walked approximately 11 miles before he was located sitting on the side of the road.
"Thank you Hiwassee Dam Fire Department, Ranger Volunteer Fire Department, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee County E911 and Cherokee County Search and Rescue," the agency noted.
Traffic stop leads to drug trafficking arrests in Andrews Area
On July 8, an agent with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Andrews area of Cherokee County after observing multiple traffic violations.
K-9 Deputy Blomgren and K-9 Ellie responded to assist with the investigation. K-9 Ellie conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and positively alerted to the odor of narcotics.
Agents, with the assistance of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, units located a magnetic concealment box hidden beneath the hood. Inside the concealed compartment, agents discovered more than 3 ounces of methamphetamine.
The driver, Alicia Garrett, and passenger, Constance Richardson, were subsequently arrested.
Agents also seized U.S. currency as part of their investigation.
As a result of the investigation, Alicia Garrett was charged with:
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation
- Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping or Selling a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Failure to Maintain Lane Control
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Constance Richardson was charged with:
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Both individuals were transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where each received a $100,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Chris Wood said, “Our message is simple: if you’re bringing drugs into Cherokee County, don’t. Our Narcotics Unit is committed to aggressively pursuing those who profit from addiction, and we’ll continue taking methamphetamine off our streets one arrest at a time.”