Macon County Jail suspends visitation due to COVID-19

News, Press Release

Due to an increase in Covid exposures in our facility, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office is suspending all inmate visitations at this time. We take safety and security of our staff and inmates as a top priority. Inmates will be able to continue having access to telephones but visitation requires moving of inmates and unnecessary contact with others. This contact comes at great risk to the health of my employees, the general public and those incarcerated in our facility.

Finding ways to alleviate those risks is the responsibility of my staff and I and my team feels this is necessary to do at this time. As we do regularly, our agency is working closely and following directions from the Macon County Health Department and the appropriate medical staff which includes our Detention Center Physician and nurse.

When normal visitation resumes, we will be sure to make that known to the public. This will be a temporary measure and we intend to open all visitations to inmates back up the moment we feel it is appropriate under our current situation.

Please be understanding with these measures as we deal with these concerns. In closing, I can assure all family members of inmates that telephone communication between inmates and family members will remain uninterrupted. Your ability to communicate with your family member will remain open through the normal procedures and process. These measures are being implemented as a precautionary measure and in the best interest of all concerned.

Investigation concludes on recent murder-suicide in Franklin

News, Press Release
machete

As reported in a previous press release, deputies with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office responded on Thursday, August 5th to a domestic situation after receiving a 911 call from a family member of one of the parties involved. Deputies responded to the residence located on Johnson Road where it was reported by the caller that a weapon was involved in the situation.

Upon arrival, a Macon County patrol deputy entered the residence and found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds in the bedroom of the home. The deputy found no other persons in the home. A family member of one of the injured arrived on the scene at the same time as the deputy and advised the deputy that he had been on the phone with his brother when he heard his brother and his girlfriend arguing. While on the phone with his brother, he stated that he heard a gunshot. He stated that after one shot, his brother apologized to him for what he had done, then heard another gunshot. Once the responding deputy entered the residence, he found two gunshot victims. An adult female was deceased.

An adult male was critically injured and the deputy immediately requested assistance from medical personnel. EMS & members of West Macon Fire quickly arrived on the scene, accessed the situation, and initiate medical care. Once appropriate, the injured male was transported to the hospital to receive additional care. That patient remained hospitalized in extremely critical condition. He remained hospitalized until he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

On the night of the incident, the scene was secured by deputies. Detectives with MCSO Criminal Investigations Unit responded and initiated an investigation into the incident. Detectives and patrol officers remained at the home throughout the night working the crime scene and conducting interviews. The investigation continued throughout the night. 

The MCSO did not identify either of the individuals involved until we had the opportunity to notify the appropriate next of kin and give those family members the opportunity to notify other family and friends.

At this time we are identifying both individuals involved in the incident, which is required of us by law when requested.

Sheriff Robert L. Holland states, “We have continued to be in communication with family members throughout our investigation. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of both Mr. Childers and Ms. Reece. 

The investigation has officially concluded. No additional statements will be released from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office.

Macon Sheriff’s Office respond to machete incident

News, Press Release
machete
On Sunday, August 8, 2021, Macon County Deputies responded to 441 South area of the county where a person that local law enforcement are very familiar with was blocking the roadway and waving a machete. Upon arrival, a responding deputy who arrived on scene and immediately began calling the subject by name and repeated verbal commands. While calling out to the black female the deputy pointed in her direction and requested that she sit down where she was and drop the machete. Again deputies who were familiar with her and were calling her by her first name while giving her verbal commands. Within moments the female complied with deputies commands and dropped the machete. The subject then sat down on the pavement and after doing so then laid down on the ground. EMS was requested by deputies due to blood being seen on the subject and arrived on the scene within moments.
It is reported that a civilian recorded this incident and has placed that video on FaceBook for others to view. Besides that video, there is also MCSO bodycam video as well as video from responding deputies In-Car Cameras. These videos show the entire incident unfolding as they arrived and continues until the deputies left the scene. We have been informed by media outlets that there are reports a taser was utilized during this incident. As stated previously, we have the incident on video. Deputies who were on scene of this incident state that a taser was never used during the entire encounter with this individual who was a black female. The first responding deputy did not have a taser in his possession during his entire shift and did not have one at this particular scene. In an interview conducted by the Sheriff following the incident the deputies who responded to the incident stated there was never a need for displaying a taser or any other weapon they may carry. The deputy who was wearing black gloves in the video had placed the gloves on his hands prior to his arrival in an effort for self protection against any contamination from any blood or bodily fluids. As stated earlier, deputies are familiar with this individual and knew what they could possibly encounter once they arrived on scene. The female was slightly injured prior to their arrival from a small laceration on her finger. Deputies called for EMS to treat her for any injuries and to check on her condition. Once treated and assessed by EMS she was transported to a local hospital.
Sheriff Robert L. Holland states, “This was a dangerous situation on many levels and excellent police work. From the citizens who reported the incident, the deputies who responded, EMS, Franklin Police, and all the way to the hospital staff who eventually assisted the female should be commended for their efforts. This was excellent work in dealing with someone who obviously was having a mental health crisis and the efforts by all are what eventually lead to a safe conclusion and getting someone the appropriate assistance needed. Everyone went home or where they needed to be safely.”

Body found in Nantahala Lake

News, Press Release

MACON COUNTY, NC – On Tuesday, July 27, the MCSO, NC Wildlife officers, Macon County Emergency Management, Medical Examiner, and members of Nantahala Fire & Rescue were involved in an incident after an individual reported finding a body in the Nantahala Lake.

Deputies immediately responded to the area along with members of the Nantahala Fire & Rescue. Investigators with MCSO & NCWRC were able to locate a residence near the lake that the occupant hadn’t been seen since shortly after he arrived at the home on Sunday. Investigators found items on a dock near the residence that appeared someone may have been in the process of fishing. MCSO investigators and the medical examiner were able to identify the individual found deceased.

There is no foul play suspected at this time but an autopsy is scheduled to be conducted. Family members of the deceased have been contacted by investigators and out of respect for the family, the gentleman’s identity will not be released at this time by the MCSO while the family is in the process of contacting other family members and friends.

New K9 making a diffence for Macon County Sheriff’s Office

News, Press Release
k9

MACON COUNTY, NC – After only being “sworn in” for less than two months, K9 Jax is already leaving his mark on Macon County.

“K9 Jax joined the MCSO K-9 Unit in August of 2020, and since then he has been utilized 27 times for narcotics investigations with his handler, Corporal Derek Stamey,” said 1st Sergeant Clay Bryson, who is also in charge of Macon County Sheriff’s Office K9 program. “After weeks of training, K9 Jax was certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) and was ready to get to work.”

In his 27 deployments for narcotics investigations, K9 Jax is responsible for the recovery of 105 grams of Methamphetamine, one firearm, and seized $1,095 in drug forfeiture money.

K9 Jax can even add human tracking to his list of accomplishments during his short time at MCSO; he recently assisted in the apprehension of Benjamin Owens, a fugitive wanted by the US Marshals and Clay County Sheriff’s Office for drug trafficking and weapon violations. Owens was considered to be armed and dangerous, and after a vehicle pursuit with Clay County, Owens wrecked his vehicle in Macon County and quickly fled into the woods nearby. The quick response to the scene of the accident made it possible to track the wanted suspect. The track was successful and Owens was taken into custody.

Funding for this K9 was made possible by the ‘9-1-1 Charity Golf Classic’ tournament. The fundraiser is held at Mill Creek Country Club, and made possible by owners Brenda and Tony Munger. The Mungers have been, and continue to be, very supportive of our K9 program.

In 2020, Macon County K9s were deployed 401 times, and were able to seize 249 pieces of contraband. The MCSO K-9 Unit is a huge asset to the department and the citizens of Macon County.

“We are excited about how much K9 Jax and Corporal Stamey have been able to accomplish together in such a short time,” said Sheriff Robert Holland. “Macon County Sheriff’s Office will always protect and serve the Citizens of Macon County to the best of our abilities, and our four-legged officers are no exception.”

To learn more about our K9 program, you can reach out to 1st Sergeant Bryson at 828-349-2202 or [email protected].

Deputies execute drug bust in South Skeenah

News, Press Release
drug bust macon deputies

MACON COUNTY, NC – During the evening of October 12, officers with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Franklin Police Department and NCDPS Probation conducted a search of a residence in the South Skeenah community that led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics.

During the evening of October 12, officers with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Franklin Police Department and NCDPS Probation conducted a search of a residence in the South Skeenah community that led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics. Approximately 90 grams of methamphetamine, 6 grams of heroin and various items used to package and sell narcotics was seized within the residence along with approximately $1,700 in cash.
Jeremiah Smith was arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Heroin, PWIMSD (Possession with intent to sell and or Manufacture) Methamphetamine, PWIMSD Heroin, Sell/Deliver Heroin and Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances. Smith is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $500,000 secured bond. Callie Rogers was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Heroin. Rogers is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $20,000 secured bond. Gina Breedlove was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Heroin. Breedlove is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $20,000 secured bond. Kara Ervin was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin. Ervin is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $5,000 secured bond.
Later in the evening, detectives received additional information that led them to another residence. Following up on that information, Detectives were able to make an additional arrests. Preston Hathcock was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia. Hathcock is currently being held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond. Amy Crawford was arrested and charged with outstanding felony warrants and charges of misdemeanor child abuse after she attempted to flee the residence through a wooded area while carrying a young child. Crawford is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $12,500 secured bond.
In addition to these arrests, deputies assigned to the MCSO Patrol & K9 Unit conducted a routine traffic stop. Following a brief search deputies arrested Avery Bates for Possession of Heroin. Bates remains in the Macon County Detention Center under a secured bond of $10,000.

Approximately 90 grams of methamphetamine, 6 grams of heroin and various items used to package and sell narcotics was seized within the residence along with approximately $1,700 in cash.

Jeremiah Smith was arrested and charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Heroin, PWIMSD (Possession with intent to sell and or Manufacture) Methamphetamine, PWIMSD Heroin, Sell/Deliver Heroin and Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances. Smith is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $500,000 secured bond. Callie Rogers was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Heroin. Rogers is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $20,000 secured bond. Gina Breedlove was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Heroin. Breedlove is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $20,000 secured bond. Kara Ervin was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin. Ervin is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $5,000 secured bond.

Later in the evening, detectives received additional information that led them to another residence. Following up on that information, Detectives were able to make an additional arrests. Preston Hathcock was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia. Hathcock is currently being held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond. Amy Crawford was arrested and charged with outstanding felony warrants and charges of misdemeanor child abuse after she attempted to flee the residence through a wooded area while carrying a young child. Crawford is held at the MCSO Detention Center on a $12,500 secured bond.

In addition to these arrests, deputies assigned to the MCSO Patrol & K9 Unit conducted a routine traffic stop. Following a brief search deputies arrested Avery Bates for Possession of Heroin. Bates remains in the Macon County Detention Center under a secured bond of $10,000.

Four arrested in drug bust in Franklin

News, Press Release
drug trafficking operation four arrested

MACON COUNTY, N.C. – On August 3rd, the Macon County Sheriff’s Officer Narcotics Unit and Franklin Police Department executed a residential search warrant on a residence that has been suspected of continued drug dealing activity and four suspects were arrested within.

The search warrant execution led to the seizure of multiple bags containing suspected Methamphetamine and Heroin, digital scales, and other paraphernalia used to package and distribute narcotics. Two of the arrestees, Todd Parrish and Valerie Bierlein were out on bond from a prior arrest during the execution of a search warrant on the same residence on June 25th.

Todd Parrish

$40,000 Secured Bond
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Heroin
Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Obtaining Property False Pretense x3 (Outstanding Warrants)

Valerie Bierlein

$18,000 Secured Bond
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Heroin
Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substances
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Weston Lawrence

$18,000 Secured Bond
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Heroin
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

George Bell

$18,000 Secured Bond

Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Heroin
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

 

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