Sheriff Chris Wood Announces Quick Strike Warrant Operation Yielding 20 Arrests in Cherokee County

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, conducted a coordinated warrant enforcement operation on March 23, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 20 individuals.

The operation was conducted as part of an ongoing initiative targeting outstanding warrants and individuals engaged in criminal activity throughout Cherokee County.

Deputies initiated the operation by executing three court-authorized search warrants at separate locations, resulting in the arrest of five individuals. One of those taken into custody had been actively evading law enforcement for approximately two years.

Following the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement personnel conducted saturation patrols in targeted areas across the county. These efforts included proactive traffic enforcement and investigatory vehicle stops, which led to additional arrests.

To conclude the operation, deputies established checking stations at strategic locations to support enforcement efforts and enhance roadway safety.

Those arrested include:

• Melissa Seabolt: Felony Probation Violation

• Dustin Graves: Possession of Methamphetamine

• Amanda King: Trafficking in Methamphetamine

• Corey Carringer: PWIMSD Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Maintaining Vehicle, Place, Dwelling, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Dominick Terrasi: Possession of Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor Failure to Appear

• Andrew Kilpatrick: 3x Felony Breaking and Entering, Injury to Personal Property

• Cristin Stinchcomb: Fail to Heed Lights or Siren, Resisting Public Officer, Poss. Drug Paraphernalia

• Jamie Muse: Resisting Public Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Jared Cheeks: Felony Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance

• Brian Hogan: Possession of Methamphetamine

• Jason Ivey: Felony Maintaining Vehicle, Place, or Dwelling

• Rene Chavira: Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting Public Officer

• Jessica Grubb: Felony Aid and Abet

• Stephen Anderson: PWIMSD Methamphetamine, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possession of Schedule I Controlled Substance

• Renae Cook: PWIMSD Methamphetamine

• Jessica Brown: Possession of Methamphetamine

• Savannah Stiles: Possession of Methamphetamine

• David Rowe: Driving While Impaired

• Nathan Lemay: Fugitive from Justice (Georgia)

• Christy Lackey: Misdemeanor Larceny

Sheriff Chris Wood stated, “The success of this operation is a direct result of the dedication and professionalism of our staff, including members of our Patrol, Investigations, Narcotics, Detention, and Administrative divisions. Each of these teams committed long hours to ensure total success, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. It is our hope that the citizens of Cherokee County can rest a little easier knowing they are protected by individuals who are deeply committed to their work and to the safety of this community.”

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