Trump Admin’s Joint Opioid Reduction Task Force Leads To 75 Arrests In North Carolina Indian Country

The results of a major drug operation in Indian Country have been announced.



The above video is a partial recording of the press conference. It will be replaced with a more complete version when it has been posted online.

**3:43pm** The WYFF-TV Facebook Livestream has been replaced with a Youtube video from WSPA-TV that covers the full event.

75 people have been arrested and 248 pounds of drugs worth over $2 million have been seized. A press release provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs has been posted below.

Departments recognized for their assistance are: the Cherokee Police Department, the Swain County Sheriffs Office, The Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office, The McDowell County Sheriffs Office, the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

PRESS RELEASE 
Bureau of Indian Affairs
September 27, 2018

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A major law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking in and around Indian Country in North Carolina has resulted in the arrest of more than 75 individuals on federal, state and tribal charges, announced U.S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke and Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Additionally, the months-long operation yielded more than 248 pounds of illegal substances including heroin, methamphetamine, and hundreds of opioid pills with an estimated street value of $2 million. Officers also seized 6 illegally-possessed firearms. This operation is the latest conducted by the Interior Department’s task force which Secretary Zinke formed in March 2018 to target the opioid crisis in Indian Country.

The undercover operation, led by the Department of Interior’s Opioid Reduction Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Police Department and multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, began in March 2018, and aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug distribution networks operating in and around the Qualla Boundary.

“First and foremost, bravo zulu to the dozens of law enforcement professionals who are on the front lines and putting their own lives at risk to take these deadly drugs off the streets. President Trump and I could not be prouder of their work,” said Secretary Zinke. “It’s heartbreaking to see the scale of the problem, and rather than further stigmatizing victims, we are cracking down on the dealers who are selling out our children, selling out our communities, and selling out our nation. The Trump Administration is serious about ending the opioid crisis and that means both treatment of those suffering as well as eradicating the drugs from our communities. This week’s law enforcement action gets us closer to that goal.”

“I am extremely grateful to the Secretary of the Interior, the BIA and the multiple state and local agencies who helped make this operation a success," said Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Richard Sneed. "The arrest of these drug dealers is a critical step towards ensuring that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are able to provide the healthy environment our people deserve.”

In addition to the 75 arrests announced today in connection with DOI’s Opioid Reduction Task Force operation, a concurrent two-year investigation spearheaded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Division of Drug Enforcement and the DEA led to the previous arrest of 57 additional individuals responsible for trafficking opiates and methamphetamine in Indian Country, bringing the total number of those arrested as part of the Western District’s drug reduction initiative on the Cherokee Indian Reservation to 132.

To date, the joint investigations have also yielded a seizure of more than 5 pounds of heroin and Fentanyl; more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine; over 210 Fentanyl tablets and Oxycodone tablets; and more than 223 pounds of marijuana, with a combined street value of over $2 million. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also seized six illegally possessed firearms.

Other partners involved in the operation include: the DEA; the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Police Department; the Swain County Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office; Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Asheville Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; and the U.S. Marshals Service for their coordinated efforts throughout this investigation.

Last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a series of new actions by the Justice Department to support law enforcement and maintain public safety in Indian Country. Among the actions announced, was the deployment of the expanded Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), which is designed to provide the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and other federally-recognized tribes, access to national crime information databases for criminal and civil purposes. TAP allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their nations’ citizens by ensuring the exchange of critical data across the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems and other national crime information systems.

In addition, the Office of Tribal Justice created the Indian Country Federal Law Enforcement Coordination Group, an unprecedented partnership that brings together sworn federal agents and key stakeholders from 12 federal law enforcement components with responsibilities in Indian Country, with the goal of increasing collaboration and coordination among law enforcement and enhancing the response to violent crime in Indian Country.

###

**2:52 pm** Here is an additional press release by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina

Federal Opioid Reduction Task Force Initiative Leads To 76 Arrests In North Carolina Indian Country


ASHEVILLE, N.C.  – A major law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking in and around Indian Country in North Carolina has resulted in the arrest of more than 75 individuals on federal, state and tribal charges, announced Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke and Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. 

The undercover operation, led by the Department of Interior’s (DOI) Opioid Reduction Task Force, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cherokee Indian Police Department and multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, began in March 2018, and aimed at disrupting and dismantling drug distribution networks operating in and around the Qualla Boundary. 

In addition to the 76 arrests announced today in connection with DOI’s Opioid Reduction Task Force operation, a concurrent two-year investigation spearheaded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Division of Drug Enforcement and the DEA led to the previous arrest of 56 additional individuals responsible for trafficking opiates and methamphetamine in Indian Country, bringing the total number of those arrested to 132.

To date, the joint investigations have yielded a seizure of more than 3.8 pounds of heroin and Fentanyl; more than 18 pounds of methamphetamine; over 270 Fentanyl and Oxycodone tablets; and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, with a combined street value of over $1.82 million. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement also seized five illegally possessed firearms.

“First and foremost, Bravo Zulu to the dozens of law enforcement professionals who are on the front lines and putting their own lives at risk to take these deadly drugs off the streets. President Trump and I could not be prouder of their work,” said Secretary Zinke. “It’s heartbreaking to see the scale of the problem, and rather than further stigmatizing victims, we are cracking down on the dealers who are selling out our children, selling out our communities, and selling out our nation. The Trump Administration is serious about ending the opioid crisis and that means both treatment of those suffering as well as eradicating the drugs from our communities. This week’s law enforcement action gets us closer to that goal.”

“The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is a community that has been hard hit by the opioid epidemic. Drug distribution, drug-fueled crimes, and drug abuse pose a grave threat to the safety, stability, cultural preservation, and well-being of the tribal community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.  “The Justice Department and my office are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to stem the flow of drugs onto the Qualla Boundary, and to reduce the opioid abuse epidemic that has devastated Indian Country.”

“Dangerous and deadly drugs, both licit and illicit, see no boundaries,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division.  “If the drugs are destined for the inner city, rural suburbia or Indian Country, regardless, the outcome is the same: they destroy dreams, communities, families and lives. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community, and adjoining areas elsewhere, have felt the sting of drug abuse and addiction. DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to making our communities safer by removing those who push these deadly substances. This investigation was a huge success because of the spirited efforts between DEA, its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and state and tribal prosecutors.”

“I am extremely grateful to the Secretary of the Interior, the BIA and the multiple state and local agencies who helped make this operation a success.  The arrest of these drug dealers is a critical step towards ensuring that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is able to provide the healthy environment our people deserve.” Principal Chief Richard Sneed.   

Twelve individuals face federal drug offenses. They are:

Dontavius Juan Cox, 26, of Sylva, N.C.
Derek Wilson Driver, 26, of Cherokee, N.C.
David Charles Fisher, 56, of Bryson City, N.C.
Timothy Mark Grady, 43, Bryson City, N.C.
Kandace Rhean Griffin, 29, of Cherokee, N.C.
Kenneth Dean Griffin, 51, Cherokee, N.C.
Kevin Dewayne Huskey, 47, of Bryson City, N.C.
Saryna Michelle Miller, 22, of Bryson City, N.C.
Jeremy Dwayne Morton, 21, of Bryson City, N.C.
Javier Fernando Perez, 27, of Norcross, Georgia.
David William Smith, 30, of Sylva, N.C.
Dee Anna Wike, 45, of Cherokee, N.C.


Those arrested will have their initial hearings in federal court on Friday.  Federal arrests warrants have been issued for Cox and Perez.  Other offenses fall under tribal, state and local jurisdictions.

The charges contained in the indictments are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the DEA; the Cherokee Indian Police Department; the Swain County Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office; the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office; the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office; the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office; the Asheville Police Department; the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation; the North Carolina State Highway Patrol; and the U.S. Marshals Service for their coordinated efforts throughout this investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pritchard and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Solheim, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville, are in charge of the federal prosecutions.

Last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a series of new actions by the Justice Department to support law enforcement and maintain public safety in Indian Country.  Among the actions announced was the deployment of the expanded Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP), which is designed to provide the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally-recognized tribes with access to national crime information databases for criminal and civil purposes.  TAP allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their nations’ citizens by ensuring the exchange of critical data across the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems and other national crime information systems.  

The Office of Tribal Justice also created the Indian Country Federal Law Enforcement Coordination Group, an unprecedented partnership that brings together sworn federal agents and key stakeholders from 12 federal law enforcement components with responsibilities in Indian Country, with the goal of increasing collaboration and coordination among law enforcement and enhancing the response to violent crime in Indian Country.

“As a member of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Council, addressing substance abuse and violent crime in Indian Country is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “My office is committed to supporting our tribal law enforcement partners and tribal leadership to identify and dismantle drug networks operating in and around Indian Country, and to provide greater access to technology, information, and funding, as we work jointly to increase public safety within the tribal community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. 

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Become a Patron!
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Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 9:29 am on September 27, 2018
Additional information added at 2:52  pm.
Partial video replaced with full video at 3:43 pm.

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

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"Prayers Against Drugs" Rally Scheduled for Friday Feb 3rd at the Courthouse Square in Franklin

Attention Prayer Warriors

There will be a "Prayers Against Drugs" rally on Friday at 6 pm at the Courthouse Square in downtown Franklin for those who are interested in participating in the spiritual warfare against the epidemic of drug abuse in our community. More information from the organizers has been added below.



- Place: Courthouse Square
- Date: Friday, February 3, 2017
- Time: 6pm

You are invited to attend the “Prayers Against Drugs" rally on 2/03/17 at the Courthouse square at 6pm. We ate asking for our community to come together in a spiritual welfare against Drug abuse. We look forward to seeing you there.

Psalms 103: 2-4 “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits;
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;“

More information on the flyer posted below

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Jury Finds Burr Not Guilty

At 5:23 pm, a jury serving the Macon County Superior Court found Jerimy Adam Burr not guilty on all counts he was charged with from a case stemming from an arrest on August 20, 2014.

After the defendant was found not guilty, he hugged his attorney and shook hands with and hugged his arresting officer and shook hands with the prosecutor.

He was charged with Traffick in Methamphetamine, Possession with intent to Deliver and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was represented by Attorney Frank Lay of the Jackson County Bar.

The Honorable Robert G Horne presided over the court.

This is the main reason Macon Media does not publish mug shots. 

If Macon Media did publish mugshots, we would have to go back and add an addendum to every article featuring the mugshot to indicate the person was found not guilty by a jury of his or her peers, but the damage to that person's reputation could not be repaired.


MEDIA ROLL CALL

Macon Media was the only outlet present for the entire trial. 
A reporter with The Franklin Press was there for jury deliberations, but had to leave moments before the jury indicated they had reached a verdict.



CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at >> https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia

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Policy Notice Regarding Arrest Reports

Policy Notice

Several readers have sent Macon Media messages and mugshots over the past few days, beginning on Saturday morning, regarding the arrest of a local law enforcement officer while off duty.

I appreciate the heads up, but have declined to post about the incident unless it makes it to Superior Court or if the Sheriff decides to fire the person before the case is adjudicated. This is a personnel matter, not a public matter until a trial or sentencing occurs.

Macon Media currently follows a policy of not posting about arrests of individuals unless it is for a notorious or violent crime. The only exceptions are if the arrest of public safety personnel occur while they are on duty or if the offense occurred while on duty. Any known arrest of an elected official or local county or city department head will be reported upon because these people are never off duty.

This is why there is no "Arrest Report" carried by this news outlet that names names. These people deserve their day in a court of law, not in the court of public opinion. 

This is an evolving policy and it is my belief that it is not in the public interest for media outlets to be reporting on such things. It is a thing best reserved for whispers, alleyways and tabloids like Fuzz Busted.

Bobby Coggins
Publisher and Editor
MaconMedia.com
June 20, 2016

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Superior Court Cases Afternoon Session August 17, 2015

Superior Court for Macon County was called into session for the afternoon of August 17, 2015 with the Honorable William H. Coward presiding.

Macon Media and The Franklin Press were the only local media organizations with reporters physically present in this session of court.

This article contains a list of dispositions and decisions in chronological order, augmented with with information from notes taken while the court was in session. Any errors are mine and all defendants are presumed innocent until their cases have been adjudicated. Where possible, hyperlinks have been added that may help promote understanding of the legal process in North Carolina. I have also not reported material that identifies the victims or family members of sexual abuse victims.

Please remember that I am an amateur in reporting on the court system. If you see errors in my reporting, let me know at editor@maconmedia.com or send me a private (or public message on my Macon Media facebook account at http://fb.com/maconcomedia

Here are links to some documents to help you understand how the court system works and some of the legal jargon in the coverage:

NC Courts Website

A Citizen's Guide to Structured Sentencing 

NC Superior Court Judges' Benchbook  

CRV (Confinement in Response to Violations) 

SUPERIOR COURT CASES 

Mann, Logan 14CRS51174 Assault by strangulation, assault on a female, assault in the presence of a minor

Represented by Bryson, Crystal

A plea of Not Guilty was entered and a trial date set for December 14, 2015.

Royse, Christopher

Represented by Beyer, Nikki

Case was continued to November 16, 2015 for another administrative setting.

Holt, Raymond 14CRS050188 Sex Offender/Child Premises

Represented by

Called and failed to appear. Order for Arrest was issued and bond raised to $30,000 cash secured. (The defendant appeared later in the session and the order was struck)

Timpton, Jeremy Probation Violation (In arrears over financial obligations)

Represented by

The defendant was given an extra 12 months of probation. (I could not find this case on the calendar, perhaps I did not understand the name of the defendant)

Roberts, David 14CRS050498, 14CRS050499, 14CRS 050500 Third degree sexual exploitation of a minor

Represented by Devereux, Sean

Case continued to 11-16-2015.

Holt, Raymond 14CRS050188 Sex Offender/Child Premises

Case was continued to 11-16-2015 at which time the State instructed the defendant to plea guilty or go to trial. The judge ordered the arrest order rescinded.

Moses, Chad Probation violation (could not find this case on the calendar)

Found in violation. Sentenced to 90 day CRV then terminate probation.

Jorge, Susan (could not find this case on the calendar)

Represented by (not represented)

The judge appointed Nikki Beyers and set next appearance at 11-16-2015.

Ward, Roberta Probation Violation (could not find this case on the calendar)

Represented by (waived right to an attorney)

Judge extended probation 12 months.

Hathcock, Preston 14CRS050590 Breaking and/or Entering

Represented by Beyers, Nikki

Continued to 11-16-2015.

The reporter for The Franklin Press arrived in the courtroom.

McKinney, Gavin 15CRS050552, 15CRS050553 Forgery and Obtain Property by False Pretenses and Uttering Forged Instrument

Represented by Neumann, Scott

Sentenced to 2 consecutive sentences 6 to 14 months with 26 days jail credit, active sentence suspended for a term of 24 months on probation, pay $200 fine, restitution to victim for checks, have no contact with the victim and $240 for attorney fees.

McConnell, Jeffrey 15CRS05065, 15CRS050652 Possess firearm by a felon, possession stolen firearm

Represented by Norwood, Gina

Continued to 11-16-2015.

Frazier, Steel 15CRS050759, 14CRS 050760, 14CRS050761 2^nd Degree Burglary, Stolen good, larceny after B&E, larceny of Motor Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Motor vehicle

Represented by Norwood, Gina

Continued to 11-16-2015.

Burr, Jerimy 14CRS050881 Traffick in Methamphetamine and other related charges

Represented by Lay, Frank

Continued to 11-16-2015.

*note* There were several cases at this time I missed because I did not hear a name or complete case number called out as they were handling them rapid-fire.

Jones, Christopher (The case number was not on my calendar) Conspiracy to commit felony, possession of methamphetamine, etc.

Represented by Lepre, Stephanie

The defendant was sentenced and ordered to pay $7,409 in restitution.

10 to 21 months suspended for 36 months probation. Defendant sentenced to serve 90 days minus 17 days jail credit. Ordered to pay $900 in attorney fees, $7,409 in restitution, serve 48 hours community service, enter treatment for substance abuse and have no contact with co-defendant or victim during term of probation.

(This was a complicated sentence, so I have likely got part of it wrong).

This case resulted from the theft of the the days receipts of Cowee Convenience Store on August 4, 2014.

Hensley, Adam 14CRS50281 2^nd Degree Murder

Represented by Belser, David

The defendant entered a plea of guilty according to a plea arrangement with the State and was sentenced to 48-67 months with 16 days jail credit with recommended work release.

This case resulted from the March 9, 2014 death of Larry Wilt during a fight at 21 Kirkland Road. More on the incident can be seen at http://is.gd/MM201406309 **note** The audio will not play because DivShare, where the audio is being housed, is undergoing restructuring. I have no idea when, or if, the audio will become available again.

Notes from the courtroom

The judge noted that the class D Felony the defendant is charged with exposes him to a possible 204 month maximum sentence.

The judge noted the plea arrangement and sentencing guidelines put the defendant in the mitigated range for a 48-70 month sentence (the judge later corrected the 70 to 67).

assistant District Attorney Eric Bellas, prosecuting for the State, reported the facts of the case for the record. They include:

On March 9, 2014 the Macon County Sheriff Office was called out to to a fight in progress at 21 Kirkland Road. The defendant was found with blood on his face and clothing. Larry Wilt was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

On March 10, 2014 an autopsy performed on the deceased found that the cause of death was several stab wounds.

Witnesses at the scene said the two were lifelong friends and had a disagreement while drinking and a fight started and escalated and moved outside. The State noted that the victim was stabbed with a weapon of opportunity after his nose was avulsed (bitten off).

He further reported that the defendant said he was defending himself and that witness testimony to investigators gave varying accounts of the incident, both implicating and exonerating the account of the defendant.

The mother of the victim made a statement to the court. She said the two 9Henskey and Wilt) had been friends for a long time. Most of her information on what happened came from Facebook and friends. She said that her son's children had no father and that her 6 year old grand daughter wanted to die so she could be with her daddy. She said Hensley just got back from the beach and has had rights and freedoms that have been denied her son, who she said walked away three times to avoid a fight the day he was killed.

David Belser, Attorney for the Defense, said this has been a horrible situation for the victim' family and for the defendant's family. He said Larry Wilt had lived with the Hensley's on and off since the 6^th grade. He participated in family vacations and family reunions with the Hensley family.

He said the defendant had a good work history listing jobs held as a dishwasher and for a couple of paving companies. He said the Defense would like for the defendant to get work release at the earliest opportunity if it pleased the court.

The judge found the defendant guilty of a Class D Felony. Voluntary Manslaughter, and would be sentenced in the mitigated range because the mitigating factors outweighed aggravating factors. The sentence is 48-67 months, with credit for 16 days jail credit and work release would be recommended.

At this point, there was an outburst from someone sitting with the family of Larry Wilt. A young man shouted “How is this justice? I hope you wake up every morning and see your disfigured face.” The judge ordered the person removed from the court room.

The judge then continued with the sentence, requiring that a DNA sample be submitted.

Hensley was handcuffed and taken from the courtroom.

The judge directed the audience to exit in a peaceful manner or face 30 days in jail or a $500 fine. He noted that inside the courtroom is not the place to demonstrate against a verdict.

Court was dismissed for the day.

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Macon County Sheriff Holds Press Conference on Arrests at South Macon Elementary School

Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland held a press conference to share information with the media about the arrest of Adam Conley and Kathryn Jetter at South Macon School.

Here is the full audio of the press conference:



Here is full video of the press conference:



Here are some photos from the press conference: [Link to Flickr Album]

Created with flickr slideshow.

Area law enforcement seeking subject wanted for several felonies, including kidnapping

**update** 12/05/2014: The manhunt is over and Jester has been taken into custody by the Rabun County Sheriff's Office at 1:45 pm on December 5th in a field near Yorkhouse Road in Mountain City. The manhunt had started around 10:30 pm the previous evening.

Law Enforcement in North Georgia and western North Carolina are on the lookout for a Phillip Norman Jester for kidnapping, grand theft auto, eluding arrest and several other felonies. The audio included with this post is of a BOLO (Be On the LookOut for) issued by the Macon County EOC just after 4 am this morning.

Jester has eluded capture in Rabun County and was last seen in the Rabun Gap area. They believe he may have stolen a vehicle.

Details on the individual are as follows:

Phillip Norman Jester
Age: 24
Brown Hair and Brown Eyes
Height: 5 foot 10 inches
Weight: 190 pounds
Considered armed and dangerous

Skylar Nichole Foster
Age: 14
Hair is black, shaved on the right side
Height: 5 foot 2 inches
Weight: 110 pounds
May be held against her will


Authorities believe that 24 year-old Jester is holding 14-year-old Skylar Nicole Foster against her will. He is a wanted felon out of Delaware, as well as Georgia and other states. Skylar met Jester on Facebook before he came to Georgia and ran away with him and it is believe she is now being held against her will.

Skylar is believed to be in danger. She is 5'2" and weighs 110 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue jeans with leggings and an oversized blue zip-up hoodie and black shoes. Her hair is dyed black and is shaved on the right side.

If you see Jester or the couple, please do not attempt to apprehend them on your own call 911 and report their location and direction of travel.

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One Person Dead After Stabbing on Kirkland Road

One man is dead, another in custody after a caller reported a fight that was still in progress when they called 911. First Responders from the Franklin Fire Department and two ambulances from the Macon County EMS Franklin Base responded to the call and entered the scene after the scene was secured by officer of the Macon County Sheriff's Department.

No names have been released and here is the initial audio of the radio traffic of the call. There have been no edits for time.



More information will be released as it becomes available.
Some people have indicated the audio embed is not showing for them, so clink this link to see the player on another website.


Updated at 3:53pm to include radio call signs and radio codes

Guide for call signs used in this call:

MAMA-1 Medical Air Ambulance stationed at Memorial Mission
MAMA-2 Medical Air Ambulance stationed at Angel Community Hospital
Medic-4 and Medic-11 are Macon County EMS Ambulances
5700 units are Macon County Sheriff Officers
1100 units are Firefighters of the Franklin Fire Department

Radio Codes Used:

Code 4 means CPR is in Progress
10-17 Enroute
10-18 Urgent
10-23 On Scene
10-40 Fight
10-72 Subject in Custody
10-82 Firearm (some dispatchers use it to mean any weapon, including knives)



Updated at 5:53 pm. The Sheriff's Department released a statement at 5:29pm on their facebook page, but it contains no real new information beyond what I posted here a couple of hours ago.

It reads:

MCSO is on scene at a Kirkland Road residence after calls to 911 reported an altercation involving a knife. Upon arrival, deputies were able to locate the two individuals involved in the altercation. First Responders from the Franklin Fire Department and MCSO deputies immediately rendered aid to one of the individuals who later died from his injuries. The investigation is ongoing and at this time the MCSO is not looking for any additional suspects.

Here is an embed of the facebook post:   

Post by Macon County Sheriff's Office.

Update 6:35pm

Adam Hensley has been arrested and charged with the murder of Larry Wilt, both of Franklin. Hensley is currently being held without bond at the Macon County Detention Center.

Update 7:15pm

The Sheriff Department has finally gotten around to posting an update. It reads:

Sheriff Robert Holland confirms that 1st Degree Murder charges have been filed against Adam Lee Hensley age 31 of Franklin in the death of Larry Nelson Wilt. Mr. Wilt was found earlier today at a Kirkland Road residence after someone called 911 reporting a fight involving a knife. Wilt was found by deputies and first responders on the front porch area unresponsive and suffering from multiple stab wounds. Those on scene immediately rendered aid to both Hensley and Wilt for injuries they both received from an apparent altercation. All efforts to save the life of Mr. Wilt were unsuccessful. Sheriff Holland will have an official press release on Monday. Meanwhile, the investigation continues and condolences go out to the families of those involved.

Post by Macon County Sheriff's Office.

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Macon County Law Enforcement on the Lookout for Multiple Stolen Vehicles

I recorded the BOLO (Be On the Look Out for) a few minutes ago:

Post by Macon County Public Safety, Road Conditions and Weather Updates.

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Anonymous Hacks U.S. Sentencing Commission

DNS blocking has taken place for www.ussc.gov and is no longer forwarding to the server. However you can still access it via the IP address: http://66.153.19.162/  The video above is what is displayed at the USSC website at the time I write this. 

Also, you can view a snapshot of the site from freze.it (Thanks to Tommy Leung for the information via Twitter) http://freze.it/1mT

#OpLastResort seems to be going in full force, along with the start of #Warhead1 . Only time will tell how this will unfold, but it seems apparent to me that the chosen verbiage in the video is deliberate and is not one to be taken lightly.

As mentioned earlier, this video claims to be a direct response to the death of Aaron Swartz, who committed suicide earlier this month. (Context on Aaron's situation: http://youtu.be/uregGZBzhvw) 

Pastebin is a place I found where instructions are being passed along by members of Anonymous for other members of Anonymous.

What do you think about the hacking of the United States Sentencing Commission's website?

__________________________________________________


*Full transcript from video and site*

Citizens of the world,

Anonymous has observed for some time now the trajectory of justice in the United States with growing concern. We have marked the departure of this system from the noble ideals in which it was born and enshrined. We have seen the erosion of due process, the dilution of constitutional rights, the usurpation of the rightful authority of courts by the "discretion" of prosecutors. We have seen how the law is wielded less and less to uphold justice, and more and more to exercise control, authority and power in the interests of oppression or personal gain.

We have been watching, and waiting.

Two weeks ago today, a line was crossed. Two weeks ago today, Aaron Swartz was killed. Killed because he faced an impossible choice. Killed because he was forced into playing a game he could not win -- a twisted and distorted perversion of justice -- a game where the only winning move was not to play.

Anonymous immediately convened an emergency council to discuss our response to this tragedy. After much heavy-hearted discussion, the decision was upheld to engage the United States Department of Justice and its associated executive branches in a game of a similar nature, a game in which the only winning move is not to play.

Last year the Federal Bureau of Investigation revelled in porcine glee at its successful infiltration of certain elements of Anonymous. This infiltration was achieved through the use of the *same tactics which lead to Aaron Swartz' death. It would not have been possible were it not for the power of federal prosecutors to thoroughly destroy the lives of any hacktivists they apprehend through the very real threat of highly disproportionate sentencing.

As a result of the FBI's infiltration and entrapment tactics, several more of our brethren now face similar disproportionate persecution, the balance of their lives hanging on the severely skewed scales of a broken justice system.

We have felt within our hearts a burning rage in reaction to these events, but we have not allowed ourselves to be drawn into a foolish and premature response. We have bidden our time, operating in the shadows, adapting our tactics and honing our abilities. We have allowed the FBI and its masters in government -- both the puppet and the shadow government that controls it -- to believe they had struck a crippling blow to our infrastructure, that they had demoralized us, paralyzed us with paranoia and fear. We have held our tongue and waited.

With Aaron's death we can wait no longer. The time has come to show the United States Department of Justice and its affiliates the true meaning of infiltration. The time has come to give this system a taste of its own medicine. The time has come for them to feel the helplessness and fear that comes with being forced into a game where the odds are stacked against them.

This website was chosen due to the symbolic nature of its purpose -- the federal sentencing guidelines which enable prosecutors to cheat citizens of their constitutionally-guaranteed right to a fair trial, by a jury of their peers -- the federal sentencing guidelines which are in clear violation of the 8th amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishments. This website was also chosen due to the nature of its visitors. It is far from the only government asset we control, and we have exercised such control for quite some time...

There has been a lot of fuss recently in the technological media regarding such operations as Red October, the widespread use of vulnerable browsers and the availability of zero-day exploits for these browsers and their plugins. None of this comes of course as any surprise to us, but it is perhaps good that those within the information security industry are making the extent of these threats more widely understood.

Still there is nothing quite as educational as a well-conducted demonstration...

Through this websites and various others that will remain unnamed, we have been conducting our own infiltration. We did not restrict ourselves like the FBI to one high-profile compromise. We are far more ambitious, and far more capable. Over the last two weeks we have wound down this operation, removed all traces of leakware from the compromised systems, and taken down the injection apparatus used to detect and exploit vulnerable machines.

We have enough fissile material for multiple warheads. Today we are launching the first of these. Operation Last Resort has begun...

Warhead - U S - D O J - L E A - 2013 . A E E 256 is primed and armed. It has been quietly distributed to numerous mirrors over the last few days and is available for download from this website now. We encourage all Anonymous to syndicate this file as widely as possible.

The contents are various and we won't ruin the speculation by revealing them. Suffice it to say, everyone has secrets, and some things are not meant to be public. At a regular interval commencing today, we will choose one media outlet and supply them with heavily redacted partial contents of the file. Any media outlets wishing to be eligible for this program must include within their reporting a means of secure communications.

We have not taken this action lightly, nor without consideration of the possible consequences. Should we be forced to reveal the trigger-key to this warhead, we understand that there will be collateral damage. We appreciate that many who work within the justice system believe in those principles that it has lost, corrupted, or abandoned, that they do not bear the full responsibility for the damages caused by their occupation.

It is our hope that this warhead need never be detonated.

However, in order for there to be a peaceful resolution to this crisis, certain things need to happen. There must be reform of outdated and poorly-envisioned legislation, written to be so broadly applied as to make a felony crime out of violation of terms of service, creating in effect vast swathes of crimes, and allowing for selective punishment. There must be reform of mandatory minimum sentencing. There must be a return to proportionality of punishment with respect to actual harm caused, and consideration of motive and mens rea. The inalienable right to a presumption of innocence and the recourse to trial and possibility of exoneration must be returned to its sacred status, and not gambled away by pre-trial bargaining in the face of overwhelming sentences, unaffordable justice and disfavourable odds. Laws must be upheld unselectively, and not used as a weapon of government to make examples of those it deems threatening to its power.

For good reason the statue of lady justice is blindfolded. No more should her innocence be besmirked, her scales tipped, nor her swordhand guided. Furthermore there must be a solemn commitment to freedom of the internet, this last great common space of humanity, and to the common ownership of information to further the common good.

We make this statement do not expect to be negotiated with; we do not desire to be negotiated with. We understand that due to the actions we take we exclude ourselves from the system within which solutions are found. There are others who serve that purpose, people far more respectable than us, people whose voices emerge from the light, and not the shadows. These voices are already making clear the reforms that have been necessary for some time, and are outright required now.

It is these people that the justice system, the government, and law enforcement must engage with. Their voices are already ringing strong with a chorus of determined resolution. We demand only that this chorus is not ignored. We demand the government does not make the mistake of hoping that time will dampen its ringing, that they can ride out this wave of determination, that business as usual can continue after a sufficient period of lip-service and back-patting.


Not this time. This time there will be change, or there will be chaos...

-Anonymous

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Macon Co Sheriff Office to Hold Identity Theft Program called "Community Shred-It Event"on June 2, 2012

As you can see from the flyer above, on Saturday June 2, 2012, the Macon County Sheriff's Office will be holding a program to raise awareness about ID Theft at the Law Enforcement Center on Lakeside Drive.

The event will feature a free shredding event for the public from 11 am to 2pm. All paper must be bagged or boxed. Donations will be accepted for the annual Shop With a Cop Program.

Click here for directions to the Law Enforcement Center.


For more information on the Macon County Sheriff's Office, please visit their website. [link to website]


For more information on how to avoid Identity Theft, please visit the Federal Trade Commission's website. [link to website]


Here is a video from the FTC on Identity Theft:

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Notice of Special Meeting of the Macon County Commissioners

BEGIN PRESS RELEASE

Notice of 12.01.11 Special Meeting

END PRESS RELEASE

The chairman of the Macon County Commissioners, Brian McClellan was arrested for DWI in Jackson County recently and he has resigned his position effective December 1, 2011.


Read more about that at The Smoky Mountain News


I will be at this special meeting and will have video and photos of the meeting afterward. I will also be covering the meeting live on Twitter.

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Law Enforcement Seeks Info on Nantahala Forest Rape Suspect

Sketch of rape suspect Credit: Macon County Sheriff Office

NEWS RELEASE –Macon County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), United States Forest Service (USFS), and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI)


The Macon County Sheriff’s Office, the US Forest Service and the SBI are seeking information on a rape which occurred Sunday September 25, 2011, at approximately 4:00 PM in Macon County within the Nantahala National Forest. The incident occurred at the intersection of Forest Service Road (FSR) 711 and the Wayah Road, FSR 1310. A female driving through the area stopped to render aid to a person she believed was incapacitated who was lying beside the road. At that time a firearm was used to subdue the victim and she was allegedly forcibly raped.
Law enforcement authorities are seeking information and assistance in identifying a possible suspect. Authorities are looking for a white male, 6’0”, 200 pounds, between the ages of 30 and 40, having brown wavy short hair, no facial hair, green to blue eyes, having a deep voice and a fair complexion. The suspect was last seen wearing dark blue jeans and a medium blue shirt. The subject is armed and considered dangerous and may be carrying a backpack. No vehicle information is available at this time. The attached composite sketch was rendered to assist in identifying the assailant.


On the same date and approximate location a motor grader was vandalized and diesel was stolen. Earlier the same day, three individuals were observed around the motor grader that may have information relevant to the case. These individuals or persons knowing these individuals’ identities are asked to call law enforcement.


Persons having information to pass on to law enforcement may call the US Forest Service Special Agent at 828-231-0288, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office at 828-349-2104 or the SBI at 1-800-334-3000.

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Comcast is trying to break the Internet

Extortion on a Grand Scale

Comcast has slapped a fee on Level Three Communications for content streamed over the Internet to Comcast customers.  The cable giant is also in the process of purchasing a controlling interest in NBC Universal and there are concerns that the company would withhold content from NBC Shows and movies to be streamed by competitors like Google TV or Apple TV. 


Level 3's networks deliver content such as videos, Web sites and games to networks operated by cable and telephone companies, which then transmit the data over the "last mile" of Internet pipes into American homes. This action by Comcast is, in essence, putting up a toll booth on that traffic.


Level Three Communications has a press release on the latest actions of cable giant Comcast:




Level 3 Communications Issues Statement Concerning Comcast's Actions

BROOMFIELD, Colo., November 29, 2010


Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today issued the following statement, which can be attributed to Thomas Stortz, Chief Legal Officer of Level 3:


“On November 19, 2010, Comcast informed Level 3 that, for the first time, it will demand a recurring fee from Level 3 to transmit Internet online movies and other content to Comcast’s customers who request such content. By taking this action, Comcast is effectively putting up a toll booth at the borders of its broadband Internet access network, enabling it to unilaterally decide how much to charge for content which competes with its own cable TV and Xfinity delivered content. This action by Comcast threatens the open Internet and is a clear abuse of the dominant control that Comcast exerts in broadband access markets as the nation’s largest cable provider.


“On November 22, after being informed by Comcast that its demand for payment was ‘take it or leave it,’ Level 3 agreed to the terms, under protest, in order to ensure customers did not experience any disruptions.


“Level 3 operates one of several broadband backbone networks, which are part of the Internet and which independent providers of online content use to transmit movies, sports, games and other entertainment to consumers. When a Comcast customer requests such content, for example an online movie or game, Level 3 transmits the content to Comcast for delivery to consumers.


“Level 3 believes Comcast’s current position violates the spirit and letter of the FCC’s proposed Internet Policy principles and other regulations and statutes, as well as Comcast’s previous public statements about favoring an open Internet.


“While the network neutrality debate in Washington has focused on what actions a broadband access provider might take to filter, prioritize or manage content requested by its subscribers, Comcast’s decision goes well beyond this. With this action, Comcast is preventing competing content from ever being delivered to Comcast’s subscribers at all, unless Comcast’s unilaterally-determined toll is paid – even though Comcast’s subscribers requested the content. With this action, Comcast demonstrates the risk of a ‘closed’ Internet, where a retail broadband Internet access provider decides whether and how their subscribers interact with content.


“It is our hope that Comcast’s senior management, for whom we have great respect, will closely consider their position on this issue and adopt an approach that will better serve Comcast and Comcast’s customers.


“While Comcast’s position is regrettable, Level 3 remains open and willing to work through these issues with Comcast. However, Level 3 does not seek any ‘special deals’ or arrangements not generally available to other Internet backbone companies.


“Given Comcast’s currently stated position, we are approaching regulators and policy makers and asking them to take quick action to ensure that a fair, open and innovative Internet does not become a closed network controlled by a few institutions with dominant market power that have the means, motive and opportunity to economically discriminate between favored and disfavored content.“




About Level 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit www.level3.com.


© Level 3 Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Level 3, Vyvx, “From Creation to Consumption,” Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.


Forward-Looking Statement
Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3’s control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to, the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3’s ability to obtain additional financing; as well as the company’s ability to: increase and maintain the volume of traffic on the network; successfully integrate acquisitions; develop effective business support systems; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.


Contact Information
Media: 
Josh Howell 
720-888-3912 

Read more: 


Washington Compost 
New York Slimes

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