Underage Drinking Party Disrupted in Beaver Dam Community

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On the evening of May 1, 2026, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an underage drinking party in the Beaver Dam community. The reports were received from school personnel who had overheard the plans being made.

Deputies were initially alerted to the possibility of a gathering with alcohol beginning at 9:00 p.m., with the location reported as the pavilion near the boat ramp at Hanging Dog Campground or on Indian Hills Drive in the Beaver Dam community. Upon arrival at the residence on Indian Hills Drive, officers located multiple individuals on scene and coordinated their movement to the front of the residence for safety and identification.

Most individuals present appeared to be juveniles. Each person was identified, and their age was verified. Portable breath tests, administered using a recently calibrated and verified instrument, were offered. Several individuals tested positive for alcohol, with blood alcohol concentrations ranging from .01 to .19. A number of others tested negative for alcohol.

The primary resident of the property, Ashley Johnson, 40, of Murphy, was cooperative with law enforcement and stated that she permitted the gathering at her home in an effort to prevent the minors from driving after consuming alcohol. Parents or guardians of all individuals under 18 were contacted, and arrangements were made for their safe pickup.

While awaiting transportation, one juvenile reported purchasing the alcohol herself at a convenience store in Clay County without being asked for identification by store clerks. She also indicated similar prior purchases at another local store without being carded.

On May 5, 2026, a criminal summons was issued to the primary resident for one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile. The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agency was notified and is following up on the alcohol purchase information.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reminds parents and community members that underage drinking poses serious safety risks.

Sheriff Chris Wood issued the following statement: “The safety of our young people is our top priority. We appreciate the quick reporting from Murphy High School and the cooperation we received at the scene. While we understand the homeowner’s intention was to prevent impaired driving, allowing underage drinking at a residence is not the answer and carries serious legal consequences. We strongly encourage parents and adults to talk with their teens about the dangers of alcohol and to make responsible choices. Our deputies will continue working closely with schools, parents, and state agencies to prevent these situations and keep our community safe through education, enforcement and community partnerships.