WARNE
Man faces drug bust
Clay County sheriff’s Officer Justin Osborne stopped a maroon Toyota Tacoma at the intersection of Young Harris Road and West Road for speeding and the belief that the driver had a suspended driver’s license about 1:31 p.m. June 28, according to a release.
The driver – Nathan Wayne McLean, 43, of Marble – did, in fact, have a suspended license. While speaking with McLean, Osborn noted the odor of marijuana at the window.
When asked about the odor, McLean said there was a half of a “joint” of marijuana in the truck’s ashtray, the release says. McLean also said there were no weapons in the truck, and he could not own any firearms because he was a convicted felon.
Officer Ben Velasquez arrived to assist Osborne, and the truck was searched for illegal controlled substances. A purple bottle was found within the center console of the truck containing suspected marijuana and methamphetamine. McLean was arrested, charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and driving while license revoked, and ultimately jailed under a $5,000 secured bond.
MARBLE
Local facing meth charge
Clay County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tyler Faggard noted a gray 1999 Cadillac operated by Brian Anthony Cross, 31, of Marble, driving on to U.S. 64 East in Hayesville at 6:48 p.m. June 21, according to a release.
Faggard, who knew Cross to have a suspended driver’s license, coordinated with N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Charlie Cheeks, who stopped Cross in the Ingles parking lot. Faggard, Clay County Investigator Nick Queen and Officer Steven Smith arrived to assist in this vehicle stop.
Pursuant to a consent to search the Cadillac by Cross, a hypodermic needle and a clear baggy containing a crystal-like substance was found, the release says. Cross said substance was methamphetamine, for which it tested positive.
Cheeks charged Cross with driving with a suspended license, driving while impaired and displaying a fictitious license plate. Faggard charged Cross with felony possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cross, whose Cadillac was towed and processed for evidence, was arrested and given a $10,000 secured bond.
MURPHY
Watch for letter scam
Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith is alerting residents to a scam using letters claiming to be from a fictitious Tax Assessment Securities Division, noting Cherokee County. However, this is not an official notice from the Cherokee County Tax Office.
According to a release, this is an attempt to scam residents into paying a fake tax debt. These letters try to scare residents to respond by a certain time frame to avoid more action.
Residents should not take action nor call the number listed on these notices. If you receive this notice, report it to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 828-837-2589. Property owners with questions can call the Cherokee County Tax Office at 828-837-2421.
RALEIGH
Week for probation
With great thanks for the vital public service provided by the state’s probation/parole officers, Gov. Roy Cooper has proclaimed July 16-22 as Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Officers’ Week in North Carolina.
“Our probation and parole officers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe,” Cooper said in a release. “I’m grateful for their dedication to protect our state and help those under supervision successfully return home.”
More than 2,000 probation and parole officers supervise almost 80,000 individuals in North Carolina who are serving probation, parole or post-release supervision. They also work with community agencies and local re-entry councils to provide services and support to formerly incarcerated individuals.
For details on the work of probation/parole officers, visit dac.nc.gov/careers/probationparole-officer-careers#JobRequirementsforProbationParoleOfficers-1676.
From staff reports.