Cherokee County Deputies Join Multiagency Drug Sweep in Swain County

SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies took part in a multiagency narcotics operation in Swain County that resulted in three arrests and the seizure of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the Swain County Sheriff’s Office.

The operation was conducted Friday and Saturday by the U.S. Forest Service, Swain County Sheriff’s Office, Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies said.

Arrested were Jessica Crisp Hyde, 35; Deanna Brooke Steedley, 44; and Josie Welch, 38. All three were taken to the Swain County Detention Center, according to deputies.

Hyde was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia and was being held on a $26,000 bond, deputies said. Steedley was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia and was released on a $10,000 bond. Welch was charged with possession of methamphetamine and was being held without bond, according to deputies.

The investigation remains ongoing.

According to Fox Carolina reporting of the Swain County Sheriff’s Office announcement published Sept. 16, 2026.