Several arrests in Murphy, but good time had by all

Murphy – Several “arrests” were made on Feb. 29 and March 1 as part of the Rotary Club of Murphy’s annual Jail & Bail fundraiser, which funds Rotary Reads.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Murphy Police Department rounded up members of the community – like Crawford-Faulkner, executive director with Reach of Cherokee-Graham County, and Dr. Tushar Bulsara of Murphy Dental Center, along with Prontees Pete and Sasquatch – delivering the group of literary detainees to Downtown Pizza for processing and lunch for their behavior involving charitable funds.

Several folks including Mayor Tim Radford, wisely decided to avoid any confrontation and turn themselves in. As long as the check wasn’t in the mail, almost $4,000 was raised.

Individuals were nominated for the fundraiser to raise money toward the purchase of books for Rotary Reads, which is in its third year. Club members read to classes of students in pre-kindergarten through second grades monthly in Cherokee County Schools, afterward leaving a copy of the book in each of the classrooms.

The goal of Jail & Bail is to raise as much money as possible from unsuspecting but willing donors to the fundraiser in order to post bail. Each nominee needed to obtain about $150 in order to be set free. Some detainees’ bail amounts were set higher – that’s what you get for being successful – and several of those arrested did have prior records regarding past fundraising involvement.

One business owner threw her cat Littles “under the bus,” resulting in the feline’s arrest. Jen Stoey of Fairycross Bottle Shop claimed the cat was in trouble for stealing Mardi-Gras beads.

Law enforcement officers picked up several participants, placing them in the back of their transport vehicle. Posters with their mugshots were distributed online for all to see.

“I am extremely proud to support the Rotary Club of Murphy, and I am innocent,” said alleged violator Deni Graves of Marketplace Antiques. Pam Moore, a friend and co-worker, believes Graves was framed.

The atmosphere was pleasant at Downtown Pizza, as those arrested appeared to get along with one another – perhaps because their bail amounts had been paid. Each of those arrested then received confirmation that their records were being expunged.

A fiber-filled substitute did take the place of Littles the cat, as it was thought she might act out once taken into custody. Others arrested for their involvement included Nancy Helms, Obi Wan Kevinobi (aka Kevin Hoeschen), Tim Debus, Larry Spies of Mountain Realty, Kate Templeton of Rare Bird Emporium, Tyler Ledford of Benchmark Physical Therapy, Matt Wright of Buck Bald Brewing, Matt Cook of Mountain Barbershop and Doc Wacholz of Cherokee Guns.

The violations resulting in the “arrests” were numerous and differed depending on who one spoke to. However, all claimed to be innocent.

“I’ve faced many challenges as mayor, but when Sheriff Dustin Smith came for me, I stood my ground, armed with nothing but my trusty umbrella. I told him that he will never take me alive!” Radford said. “Not until every kid in Cherokee County Schools has a book in their hand, thanks to Rotary Reads.”

Jacqueline Egli – the Rotary Club’s president-elect, who was among those arrested – promised a couple of surprises next year. In July, Egli will succeed Crawford-Faulkner.