Murphy, NC— On April 22nd, 2013 investigators from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office raided the Topton Store and seized a substantial quantity of synthetic cannabinoid often referred to as “Spice” and cash.

Investigators received information that a package of synthetic cannabinoid was destined for the Topton Store which is located just inside the Cherokee County line adjoining Graham and Macon counties. Acting on that information Investigators obtained a search warrant for the store. During the search of the store investigators located information that the owner, Clara “Jessica” Frost and her employees, had engaged in the sale of synthetic marijuana from her “drive through” window. Approximately 900 grams of synthetic marijuana along with about $2900.00 in U. S. Currency was seized as well. 

During the last year and a half the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous complaints of the sale and distribution of “spice” from the Topton Store. During the last year and a half the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has served two search warrants which resulted in the seizure of synthetic marijuana and cash. During a compliance check during the year and half period a large quantity of synthetic marijuana was seized. Frost is scheduled for a June 2013 Superior Court date on charges from the first search warrant which included the Possession with the Intent To Manufacture Sell and Deliver Controlled Substance, and Maintaining a Dwelling House for the Manufacture, Sale and Delivery of Controlled Substances.

Sheriff Lovin stated that “we will not stop our efforts to get this stuff off the street. The continued information provided by the public has been an essential tool in combating a dangerous substance that may be thought of as harmless but in reality can cause death.”

"Spice" refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as "safe," legal alternatives to that drug. Sold under many names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others — and labeled "not for human consumption" — these products contain dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for their psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. 

The Center for Disease Control in 2012 linked the ingestion of synthetic cannabinoid, normally by smoking, to acute kidney injury. The Center warned Public health practitioners, poison center staff members, and clinicians to be aware of the potential for renal or other unusual toxicities in users of synthetic cannabinoid products and should ask about synthetic cannabinoid use in cases of unexplained Acute Kidney Injury. 

The public can give crime information to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office by using crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 828-837-1344, or visit us on Facebook.com.

 Murphy, NC— Robert Gene Laster, a 43 year old Alabama man, who was a fugitive from justice was captured on 03/26/2013.  Laster had been eluding arrest by law enforcement officers from several states for over a year period. The charges that Laster was evading included Burglary, Theft, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, and other violent offenses. Additionally, information was known that Laster was known to be armed and violent.

Information became known that Laster was in Cherokee County and particularly in the Town of Murphy. While searching for Laster he was spotted on Hill Street near Conaheeta Park. Laster fled from Hill Street toward Valley River Avenue. Laster was subdued following a foot chase and a brief scuffle with Cherokee County Sheriff’s Officers.

 Agencies involved included the Murphy Police Department, United States Marshal’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Lovin stated that “this is another prime example of the team spirit of cooperation when it comes to the safety of our community. By utilizing teamwork a very dangerous criminal was captured and taken off the street.” 

According to information presented to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office there are other outstanding warrants that had not been entered into the National Database (NCIC), which Laster was being sought for. Presently the known warrants centered in and around Atlanta and North Georgia.

 If you should have information concerning Laster or wish to submit crime information you can email crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 828-837-1344

Areas of Cherokee Co. N.C. were hit by Tornadoes yesterday evening.We are uploading pics and video to the website and Local TV 4 Facebook. Thank you for your patience

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 Murphy, NC— On April 22nd, 2013 investigators from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office raided the Topton Store and seized a substantial quantity of synthetic cannabinoid often referred to as “Spice” and cash.

Investigators received information that a package of synthetic cannabinoid was destined for the Topton Store which is located just inside the Cherokee County line adjoining Graham and Macon counties. Acting on that information Investigators obtained a search warrant for the store. During the search of the store investigators located information that the owner, Clara “Jessica” Frost and her employees, had engaged in the sale of synthetic marijuana from her “drive through” window. Approximately 900 grams of synthetic marijuana along with about $2900.00 in U. S. Currency was seized as well. 

During the last year and a half the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous complaints of the sale and distribution of “spice” from the Topton Store. During the last year and a half the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has served two search warrants which resulted in the seizure of synthetic marijuana and cash. During a compliance check during the year and half period a large quantity of synthetic marijuana was seized. Frost is scheduled for a June 2013 Superior Court date on charges from the first search warrant which included the Possession with the Intent To Manufacture Sell and Deliver Controlled Substance, and Maintaining a Dwelling House for the Manufacture, Sale and Delivery of Controlled Substances.

Sheriff Lovin stated that “we will not stop our efforts to get this stuff off the street. The continued information provided by the public has been an essential tool in combating a dangerous substance that may be thought of as harmless but in reality can cause death.”

"Spice" refers to a wide variety of herbal mixtures that produce experiences similar to marijuana (cannabis) and that are marketed as "safe," legal alternatives to that drug. Sold under many names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others — and labeled "not for human consumption" — these products contain dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for their psychoactive (mind-altering) effects. 

The Center for Disease Control in 2012 linked the ingestion of synthetic cannabinoid, normally by smoking, to acute kidney injury. The Center warned Public health practitioners, poison center staff members, and clinicians to be aware of the potential for renal or other unusual toxicities in users of synthetic cannabinoid products and should ask about synthetic cannabinoid use in cases of unexplained Acute Kidney Injury. 

The public can give crime information to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office by using crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 828-837-1344, or visit us on Facebook.com.

 Murphy, NC— Robert Gene Laster, a 43 year old Alabama man, who was a fugitive from justice was captured on 03/26/2013.  Laster had been eluding arrest by law enforcement officers from several states for over a year period. The charges that Laster was evading included Burglary, Theft, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Obstruction of Justice, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, and other violent offenses. Additionally, information was known that Laster was known to be armed and violent.

Information became known that Laster was in Cherokee County and particularly in the Town of Murphy. While searching for Laster he was spotted on Hill Street near Conaheeta Park. Laster fled from Hill Street toward Valley River Avenue. Laster was subdued following a foot chase and a brief scuffle with Cherokee County Sheriff’s Officers.

 Agencies involved included the Murphy Police Department, United States Marshal’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Lovin stated that “this is another prime example of the team spirit of cooperation when it comes to the safety of our community. By utilizing teamwork a very dangerous criminal was captured and taken off the street.” 

According to information presented to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office there are other outstanding warrants that had not been entered into the National Database (NCIC), which Laster was being sought for. Presently the known warrants centered in and around Atlanta and North Georgia.

 If you should have information concerning Laster or wish to submit crime information you can email crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 828-837-1344

Areas of Cherokee Co. N.C. were hit by Tornadoes yesterday evening.We are uploading pics and video to the website and Local TV 4 Facebook. Thank you for your patience

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