SECOND POT ARREST MADE BY CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

John Laster

Macayla Laster

Ryan Turbfill

Murphy, NC— On December 16th, 2011 Jonathan Taylor Laster, a 29 year old Murphy North Carolina man, Makayla Lockaby Laster, a 26 year old woman, and Ryan Fletcher Turbyfill, a 32 year old Hiawassee Georgia man were arrested from a Murphy North Carolina residence following the discovery of a large quantity of marijuana and guns. 

On December 16th, 2011 the Cherokee County Department of Social Services requested the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to accompany them to a residence on Driver Avenue Murphy North Carolina to check the welfare of the children in the residence. During the visit marijuana was discovered at the residence. Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant which resulted in locating a large quantity of marijuana, other controlled substances and firearms.

All three individuals are currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center on Charges stemming from the search of the residence. All three individuals are scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on January 11th, 2012.

INDOOR MARIJUANA GROW BUST

 CHEROKEE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA SHERIFF’S OFFICE BUSTS INDOOR MARIJUANA GROW

   
Murphy, NC— On December 13, 2011, Clinton Brook Strand, a 41 year old man who resides in Murphy North Carolina was arrested for charges stemming from a search of his residence on Beaver Ridge Trail, Murphy North Carolina.

On December 13, 2011, investigators of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received information that Strand had been operating an indoor marijuana grow in Cherokee County North Carolina. Investigators then began conducting an investigation which culminated with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executing a search warrant at Strand’s residence located on Beaver Ridge Trail, Murphy North Carolina.

During the execution of the search warrant officers confirmed the existence of the indoor marijuana grow in the residence. A substantial amount of growing and cultivated marijuana was seized from the residence. Additionally during the execution of the search warrant firearms were discovered and seized as well. 

Strand is currently being held on $50,000.00 secure bond in the Cherokee County Detention Facility. Strand had an initial appearance in Cherokee County District Court on December 15th, 2011. Strand is currently charged with Manufacturing a Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Dwelling for Manufacturing a Controlled Substance, Possession of Firearm By Convicted Felon, Trafficking in Marijuana, Possession with the Intent to Sell and Deliver a Controlled Substance.

Strand’s next schedule court appearance is scheduled for January 15, 2012 in Cherokee County District Court.