Mother Arrested After Child Tests Positive for Multiple Controlled Substances

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office detectives have arrested Samantha Dale Dockery, 38, of Murphy, after an investigation revealed her young child repeatedly tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and THC metabolites immediately following visits with her.

The investigation began after a concerned individual contacted the Sheriff's Office regarding an ongoing Department of Social Services (DSS) case involving the approximately one-year-old child. According to the report, the child had been subjected to multiple drug screenings as part of the DSS custody matter. Testing consistently showed the presence of controlled substances in the child's system after visits with Dockery, while tests were negative when the child was in the care of the biological father or other relatives.

DSS personnel confirmed they had been monitoring the situation with drug screenings following each overnight visit. Dockery had previously failed a drug screen, and additional testing on her also returned positive results for methamphetamine and THC.

Dockery was charged and arrested on June 10, 2026 for one count of Felony Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury and three counts of Felony Exposing a Child to a Controlled Substance. Dockery was presented before a North Carolina Magistrate and ordered held with no-bond.

“This case is particularly disturbing because it involves the safety and well-being of a child who depended on the adults in their life for protection," said Sheriff Chris Wood. "Our investigators worked diligently alongside the Department of Social Services to uncover the facts and ensure that appropriate action was taken. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens and holding accountable those who place children in harm's way."

The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators review pending laboratory results and any additional evidence obtained during the course of the case.

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