Drug Investigation Leads to Multiple Child Abuse and Drug Charges

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Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division began investigating Verena Jane Mosteller and Derek James Liberty late last week in connection with the sale of illegal drugs.

During the investigation, agents quickly determined that three children, ranging in age from two months to four years old, were living in the residence where the suspected drug sales were occurring. Investigators gathered evidence indicating that one of the children had been present while illegal drugs were actively being used inside the residence. Agents also uncovered evidence of alleged physical, verbal, and emotional abuse involving the children.

As the investigation progressed, agents obtained an arrest warrant charging Mosteller with multiple offenses, including the sale and delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance and exposing children to controlled substances. A search warrant was also obtained for the residence.

Due to the presence of young children at the location, Sheriff Chris Wood activated the Sheriff’s Response Team (SRT) to assist with the execution of the search warrant. On October 27, 2026, the SRT executed the warrant, accompanied by professionals prepared to provide care and support the children. Sheriff Chris Wood was present for the execution of the search warrant.

During the operation, Mosteller was taken into custody on her outstanding arrest warrant. Liberty fled from the backyard and concealed himself behind a small shed. SRT members approached the shed and took Liberty into custody. During his arrest, Liberty was found to be in possession of a firearm.

A subsequent search of the residence uncovered suspected methamphetamine, U.S. currency, and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Much of the paraphernalia was unsecured in the main living areas of the home, where the young children were present.

Both Mosteller and Liberty were arrested and charged in connection with the investigation. The children were transported for medical evaluation, where testing revealed that at least one child tested positive for methamphetamine.

Verena Jane Mosteller, 32, faces the following charges:

• Four separate felony counts of Exposure of a Child to a Controlled Substance

• Felony Exposure of a Child to a Controlled Substance with Ingestion

• Felony Sell or Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance

• Felony Possession of Methamphetamine

• Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Misdemeanor Child Abuse

Derek James Liberty, 45, faces the following charges:

• Three separate felony counts of Exposure of a Child to a Controlled Substance

• Felony Exposure of a Child to a Controlled Substance with Ingestion

• Felony Possession of Methamphetamine

• Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer

Sheriff Chris Wood stated: “This was a very emotional case for our office and everyone involved. We have to protect our children at all costs. Although this investigation was still in its early stages, our agents recognized the threat these children were facing and acted to carry out the mission of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. As your Sheriff, I will do everything in my power to protect our children’s innocence, their lives, and their futures.”

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to investigating drug-related offenses and protecting the safety and well-being of children throughout our community.

All individuals charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.