Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrests in Hanging Dog Residential Break-In

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On Monday, March 30, 2026, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential break-in in the Hanging Dog community after a victim reported that a male and female suspect had been captured on his home security cameras stealing property.

The victim posted photographs from the security footage to his Facebook page, which quickly generated leads from the community. Members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Patrol Division, were able to identify and locate the suspects.

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, detectives arrested Brian Lee Whitener, 59, and Amanda Sheree Whitener, 53, both of Murphy, North Carolina.

During the execution of the arrest warrants, detectives recovered the stolen property and returned the items to the victim.

Both individuals were charged with Felony Breaking and Entering and Felony Larceny.

Brian Lee Whitener remains in custody at the Cherokee County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond. Amanda Sheree Whitener was released after posting a $10,000 secured bond.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.