Traffic Stop Leads to Search Warrant and Three Arrests in Narcotics InvestigatioN

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

Press Release

MURPHY, N.C. — Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Union County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia), concluded a joint narcotics investigation on June 1, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of trafficking quantities of methamphetamine.

During the investigation, Agents conducted surveillance on a residence in Cherokee County. The operation led to a traffic stop along NC Highway 60, where Amanda Lee Edmondson, 44, of Murphy, was found to be in possession of approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine. Edmondson was taken into custody, and Agents subsequently obtained a search warrant for a residence located at 7 Page Little Road in Murphy.

With assistance from the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Agents executed the search warrant and recovered trafficking quantities of methamphetamine, along with $1,528 in U.S. currency believed to be connected to illegal drug activity.

As a result of the search, two additional arrests were made. Agents also discovered that a juvenile was residing at the property, leading to additional criminal charges.

Amanda Mary King, 38, of Murphy, is charged with:

• Felony Exposing a Child to a Controlled Substance

• Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine

• Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for the Sale of Controlled Substances

• Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Amanda Lee Edmondson, of Murphy, is charged with:

• Felony Possession of Methamphetamine

Heather Leigh Hamby, 45, of Murphy, is charged with:

• Possession of Methamphetamine

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Sheriff Chris Wood praised the collaborative effort between agencies and emphasized the importance of protecting the community from illegal drug activity.

“Removing illegal drugs from our community remains a top priority, but ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is even more important. I am grateful for our strong partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and proud of the collaborative work that often takes place behind the scenes. These partnerships are essential in combating the regional drug activity that continues to impact our communities.”

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