Simple Violation Leads to Drug Arrest in Cherokee County

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Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On September 12, 2026, members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division conducted a traffic stop along U.S. Highway 19 in the Andrews area after observing a vehicle displaying an unlawful white light to the rear.

During the traffic stop, Cherokee County agents and deputies, along with detectives from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, detected the odor of marijuana coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The passenger, identified as William Porter, 47 of Spring City, Tennessee, admitted to possessing a marijuana smoking pipe.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine. Both the driver, Kathy Bowling, 53 of Spring City, Tennessee, and Porter, were found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Bowling and Porter were arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where both were issued a $5,000 secured bond.

Sheriff Chris Wood stated, “Our Special Operations Division continues to focus on proactive enforcement throughout Cherokee County. Traffic enforcement remains an important tool in identifying criminal activity and removing illegal narcotics from our communities. I also want to thank the Macon County Sheriff’s Office for their continued partnership and willingness to work alongside our deputies and agents. These cooperative efforts make all of our communities safer.”

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