Cherokee County deputies and investigators made 16 drug-related arrests in November. The following individuals arrested face various charges, including possession, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances:

Drug Paraphernalia and Methamphetamine Seizure (Nov. 6, 2024):

1. • Sgt. Holcomb and Deputy Ellison observed a vehicle running a stop sign and stopped it on County Road 113.
   • Driver Zachary Nance consented to a search, leading to the discovery of drugs and paraphernalia. Nance was arrested and transported to jail on drug charges.

Drug Arrest After Traffic Stop and Residence Search (Nov. 6, 2024):

1. • Investigator Chatman and Garrett stopped a vehicle for traffic violations and detected a strong odor of marijuana.
   • During the search, drugs were found on passenger Kenyon Jones, and additional drugs were located inside the vehicle.
   • Selman admitted to having marijuana at her residence, and a subsequent search uncovered more marijuana. Both Selman and Jones were arrested and taken to jail.

Narcotics Arrest Following Traffic Stop (Nov. 7, 2024):

1. • Investigator Jamie Chatman conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a broken tail light. Upon approaching the vehicle, Chatman smelled marijuana and observed passenger Robert Smith attempting to conceal a baggie containing a crystal-like substance.
   • A search revealed additional narcotics, including marijuana, syringes, and a glass pipe.
   • Both Smith and front passenger Chris Hart were arrested for drug possession. Hart later admitted to possessing methamphetamine, which was found in his sock. Both were booked into Cherokee County Jail.

Narcotics Arrest Following Warrant Service (Nov. 8, 2024):

1. • Investigator Chatman assisted in serving a warrant at a residence where Kyle McMchicen, with active arrest warrants, was located. Deputies found marijuana and methamphetamine at the scene.
   • McMchicen, who admitted to possessing the drugs, was arrested and booked into jail without incident on charges related to drug possession.

Arrest for Controlled Substance (Nov. 11, 2024):

1. • Investigator Chatman stopped a vehicle for speeding and detected the smell of marijuana. During the search, passenger Donaldtello Jones was found with ecstasy, and a Glock 45 handgun with an extended magazine was found under the driver’s seat.
   • The vehicle also contained methamphetamine, which Jones admitted to obtaining. Jones was arrested for possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia and booked into jail without incident.
   • Arrest for Possession of Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia (Nov. 11, 2024):

• Deputies pursued a blue vehicle driven by Aaron Williams, who was speeding on Highway 9. After stopping the vehicle, deputies found a glass smoking device and methamphetamine during a search.

• Williams admitted to possessing the substance and was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Cherokee County Detention Center.

•  Arrest for Drug Trafficking and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess Firearm (Nov. 13, 2024):

• Investigator Garrett executed a search warrant at Sandy Gowens’ residence, where Gowens attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. He admitted to possessing methamphetamine.
• The search revealed drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a shotgun. Investigators also found three ounces of methamphetamine in a vehicle on the property. Gowens was arrested for drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and drug paraphernalia. $1,700 in cash, $900 of which was from drug sales, was seized as evidence.

Arrests for Drug Possession on County Road 915 (Nov. 14, 2024):

• Investigators serving a warrant at a residence on County Road 915 discovered a bag with a crystal-like substance in a camper. Steven Hardy and Margie Hainds, who were inside, consented to a search.
• Hardy admitted to owning the drugs but denied knowledge of other paraphernalia, while Hainds acknowledged a used syringe as hers. Both were arrested for possession of controlled substances and transported to the Cherokee County Jail.

Arrest for Possession of Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia (Nov. 15, 2024):

• Sgt. Holcomb and Deputy Ellison conducted a traffic stop due to an expired tag and seatbelt violation. They discovered prescription pills (Tizanidine and Hydrocodone) in Wesley Quarles’ pocket. Quarles was arrested for possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest (Nov. 21, 2024):

• During a traffic stop for improper lane usage, investigators identified Jordan Tolbert, a backseat passenger, with active warrants. After obtaining consent to search, officers found marijuana and a crystal-like substance in a phone case concealed in her pants. Tolbert was arrested for possession of marijuana, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.

Felony Warrant Leads to Drug Arrest (Nov. 21, 2024):

• Investigators serving a felony warrant on William Boyd found him in the woods with a chainsaw. During a search, methamphetamine was discovered on the chainsaw. Boyd was arrested for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft of property.

Narcotic Search Warrant at County Road 80 Residence (Nov. 21, 2024):

• Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence and found marijuana, suspected methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Kelia Crider and Robert Jones were arrested for possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

 Narcotic Search Warrant at County Road 472 Residence (Nov. 22, 2024):

• A search warrant at a residence revealed “spice,” marijuana, digital scales, and Alprazolam pills. Quartez Powell and Macie Steele were arrested for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest (Nov. 22, 2024):

• During a traffic stop, Brandon Matthews was found to have discarded a methamphetamine pipe. Deputies located the pipe on a bridge, and Matthews was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

 Call of Service Leads to Drug Arrest (Nov. 22, 2024):

• Deputies responding to a trespassing call arrested Timothy Waits, who was found with Royal Kratom in his jacket pocket. Waits was charged with criminal trespass, domestic violence, and possession of a controlled substance.

 Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Outstanding Warrant Arrest (Nov. 26, 2024):

• During a stop for expired tags, Justin Ingram was found with methamphetamine, firearms, and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle. Ingram was arrested for his outstanding warrant, possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of firearms, and drug paraphernalia.

 This operation highlights Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office’s continued commitment to reducing drug-related crime and improving community safety.

“We remain dedicated to combating the drug trade and protecting our neighborhoods,” said Sheriff Jeff Shaver.