Sheriff Jeff Shaver announced the arrests of 19 individuals in the month of December for drug charges which resulted in the seizure of narcotics and various illegal substances. These arrests stemmed from traffic stops, welfare checks, investigations into drug activity, and active warrants.
Sheriff Shaver reminds everyone that, “the hard-working team of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to keeping the community safe through proactive policing and thorough investigations. These recent arrests serve as a reminder that we will continue to pursue offenders, uphold the law, and remove dangerous substances and criminals from the streets.”
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to assist in ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security within the community.
Investigators Make Arrest on Burglary and Drug Charges
On December 2nd, 2024 Investigators arrested Brian Johnson for breaking into two residences and stealing various items, including a TV and DVD player. A search of Johnson’s camper revealed additional stolen items and a methamphetamine pipe.
Gregory Higgins, another suspect, was found with a crystal-like substance hidden on him during booking.
Johnson and Higgins were booked into the Cherokee County Jail. Johnson was charged with burglary and theft of property. Higgins was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband, and drug paraphernalia. The stolen TV and DVD player were returned to the victim.
Cherokee County Woman Arrested for Drug Possession
On December 2nd, 2024 a traffic stop conducted by Deputies on US Highway 411 South led to the arrest of Kelia Crider. During the stop, deputies detected the smell of marijuana, and a search revealed marijuana in the vehicle and a bag of amphetamines hidden on Crider’s person. Crider was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and amphetamines.
Cherokee County Woman Arrested After Welfare Check Leads to Drug Charges
On December 2nd, 2024, Investigators conducted a welfare check at a residence, who had been uncontactable by family members. The female was found unharmed, and a woman hiding in the bathroom, identified as Lindsey Brooke Busby, was arrested on an active warrant from Cedar Bluff.
At the detention center, Busby was found with syringes and a white crystalline substance concealed in her person, leading to additional charges for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cherokee County Man Arrested on Drug Charges
On December 9th, 2024, Scott Johnson was arrested following a traffic stop after investigators and deputies found him in possession of a crystal-like substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, and a THC vape cartridge. The substance and vape were seized, and Scott was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Scott was transported to the Cherokee County Jail, and all evidence was submitted for testing.
Driver Arrested After Methamphetamine Found During Traffic Stop
On December 9th, 2024, a traffic stop was initiated on County Road 114 after a white male driver was observed operating a vehicle without a seatbelt and failing to signal while turning onto County Road 58. The driver, later identified as Terry Middlebrooks, ran off the road and came to a stop.
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a cigarette pack containing a crystal-like substance under the driver’s seat. The substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Middlebrooks was arrested and transported to Cherokee County Jail for possession of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine Found During Traffic Stop
On December 9th, 2024, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired tag near the Blanche community. Investigators requested a K9 unit, which led to the discovery of methamphetamine concealed on Scott Johnson, who was subsequently arrested. Johnson was transported to jail after admitting the substance was likely methamphetamine.
Arrest and Drug Seizure Following Pursuit
On December 13th, 2024, at approximately 9:50 AM, Investigators encountered a blue Ford Taurus while traveling on U.S. Highway 411. The driver, later identified as Jarrett Thomas, was observed not wearing a seatbelt and fled from the scene upon attempting a traffic stop. A pursuit ensued through multiple roads. The vehicle eventually left the road and crashed into a yard, where the driver fled on foot. Investigators successfully apprehended Thomas. The female passenger, Savannah Smith, was detained at the scene.
Both subjects had active warrants with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine, a synthetic marijuana smoking device, and a Clonazepam pill in Smith’s purse. The vehicle was towed, and both suspects were transported to the Cherokee County Jail.
Narcotics Arrests and Seizure Following Search Warrant Execution
On December 13th, 2024, investigators executed a narcotics search warrant on County Road 608 in Cedar Bluff. Upon arrival, three males were detained, including Matt Scott, who had active warrants and was arrested. Inside the residence, investigators detained Joshua Steele, who was found with a loaded syringe and marijuana.
Lillie Hardin was detained inside the residence and a search uncovered substantial evidence of narcotics activity, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and firearms. Additional narcotics and paraphernalia were found throughout the home. Hardin, Steele, and Scott were all arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Warrant Leads to Drug Arrest
On December 16th, 2024, deputies went to an address on County Road 7 to serve a warrant. Upon arrival, a male and female were seen on the porch, with the male fleeing inside. After a brief search, the male, identified as Jarrod Franklin Ogle, was detained. The female, Joanna Lynn Tucker, was also detained after it was confirmed she was the subject of the warrant.
Both individuals were suspected of being under the influence of marijuana, and upon questioning, Tucker admitted to having marijuana. Deputies located the marijuana and a glass pipe with a crystalline substance.
Tucker was arrested on her warrants. Ogle was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances (UPOCS) and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (UPODP), and was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Georgia Resident Arrested in Cherokee County on Drug Charges
On December 16th, 2024, Investigators observed a black vehicle with Georgia license plates speeding on County Road 19. A traffic stop was initiated at the intersection of County Roads 19 and 6. Upon contact with the driver, Joseph Dingler, and passenger, Brayden Henson, a strong odor of marijuana was detected emanating from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the following items were discovered: A burning marijuana blunt under the passenger seat, hydrocodone pill, and a bag of marijuana.
Both individuals were arrested for possession of controlled substances and transported to the Cherokee County Jail.
Drug Complaint Leads to Arrest
On December 17th, 2024, Investigators were at a residence and discovered marijuana. Rowena Ventura, the occupant of the residence, was arrested for possession of controlled substances and transported to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office without incident or injury.
Vehicle Stopped for Switch and Expired Tag Leads to Drug Arrest
On December 19th, 2024, deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 71, where he identified the driver, Justin Godfrey, as having a revoked license and the vehicle’s registration tag as switched and expired. Further checks revealed that Godfrey had an active arrest warrant through Centre Police Department.
During the stop, Godfrey was arrested on the warrant. Deputies discovered of a glass smoking device hidden behind the radio. He was transported to the Cherokee County Jail without incident.
Arrest and Drug Seizure
On December 27th, 2024, Investigators and deputies executed an arrest warrant on County Road 155 for Dyrisha McKnight, who was wanted for Revoked Bond – Possession of a Controlled Substance. Upon arrival, Investigators apprehended McKnight at the back door, while the deputies at the front door engaged with a male resident. During questioning, McKnight admitted to having drugs inside the residence. A search revealed a white crystalline substance, which was seized and identified as methamphetamine.
Further investigation led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and a torn bag containing crystal-like residue, believed to be methamphetamine, in McKnight’s purse. McKnight was arrested and transported to Cherokee County Jail. While incarcerated, McKnight disclosed that she had concealed a Tide pod on her person. A field test confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine.
McKnight has been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Arrest for Possession of Controlled Substance during Disturbance Call
On December 29, 2024, Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on County Road 1048 involving an offender who had threatened a neighbor and left the scene in a dark Honda Accord. After patrolling the area, deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description of the offender’s. The vehicle was seen swerving and failing to stay within the lane.
Deputies initiated a traffic stop and found the driver without insurance. During the stop, deputies discovered Suboxone in the offender’s wallet. The offender admitted he did not have a prescription for the medication.
The vehicle was further searched, revealing an open Suboxone packet in the center console. The offender was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center. He faces charges related to possession of a controlled substance.
