Unregistered Sex Offender Arrested in Cherokee County

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

MURPHY, N.C. – A collaborative effort between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Andrews Police Department has resulted in the arrest of David Allan Hughes, 38 of the Topton Community, following an investigation that revealed he had allegedly been residing in Cherokee County for several years without complying with North Carolina’s sex offender registration requirements.

On October 12, 2026, proactive patrol efforts by a Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy and an Andrews Police Officer led to the discovery that Hughes, a convicted sex offender, was potentially residing in Cherokee County without being properly registered. Information gathered during their encounters prompted an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

On October 13, 2026, investigators began examining Hughes’ registration history and residency status. Through coordination with law enforcement agencies in multiple states, investigators determined that Hughes had previously been registered as a sex offender in Colorado, with no record of registering in Cherokee County despite evidence indicating that he had established residency in the county as early as 2020.

Investigators also confirmed that Hughes remained subject to sex offender registration requirements and had not obtained relief from those obligations through the court system.

Based on the findings of the investigation, a warrant was obtained for Hughes’ arrest for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, in violation of North Carolina General Statute 14-208.11(a).

Later that day, members from multiple divisions of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Hughes’ residence where a firearm was found and Hughes was taken into custody without further incident, and investigators discovered a firearm allegedly in his possession.

Hughes was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where he was additionally charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

While in custody at the detention center, Hughes struck and extensively damaged a holding cell window, resulting in an additional charge of Injury to Real Property.

Sheriff Chris Wood praised the proactive efforts and cooperation that led to Hughes’ arrest.

“This arrest is a direct result of deputies and officers paying attention, taking initiative, and following through when something doesn't add up,” said Sheriff Wood. “Sex offender registration laws exist to protect our communities, and compliance with those laws is not optional. Moving into Cherokee County does not erase someone's legal obligation to register. I commend our deputies, investigators, and the Andrews Police Department for their diligence and teamwork in identifying this violation and holding this individual accountable. We will continue to aggressively enforce these requirements to help keep our community safe.”

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reminds all individuals subject to sex offender registration requirements that they are responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable state laws. The passage of time alone does not automatically terminate an individual's registration obligations. Eligible offenders must obtain the necessary court approval before being relieved of those requirements.

Hughes faces the following charges:

• Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

• Injury to Real Property

Hughes has since posted a $50,000.00 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on October 27, 2026.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive enforcement, interagency cooperation, and ensuring that individuals required to register as sex offenders are held accountable for complying with the law.

All individuals charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.