Murphy – Jack Earnest Smith, 35, of Baldwin, Ga., has been charged with multiple break-ins from March 30, 2021, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
 |
In January 2022, while Smith was being transferred from a local health-care facility to another one in western North Carolina, he reportedly stole personal items, including the financial cards of the health-care worker in Cherokee County. Once Smith was cleared to be incarcerated, he was arrested on charges from the earlier theft. Smith was released via an unsecured bond on March 26, 2022.
During the night of March 30, 2022, several vehicles and buildings were broken into. During one of the break-ins, the owner of the residence saw Smith, who ran from the residence. In addition, the responding
deputy to one of the reported break-ins found the order that was given to Smith at the time of his release on March 26, 2022.
Smith was arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center on five counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle. He is under a $9,000 secure bond with a April 28, 2022, date in Cherokee County District Court.
“I want to commend the work of the patrol and investigations division. The teamwork helped bring this situation to a close quickly,” Chief Deputy Joe Wood said. “We continue to investigate several more break-ins in connection with Smith’s crime spree.
“As always, we appreciate our community’s support. If anyone has information, please contact Detective Teasdale or Detective Fry at 828-837-2589.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, call 828-837-1344 or email crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.