Burke County Sheriff's Office

10/30/2026

10/29/2026

NAME: SEUA SARATH
DOB: 01/01/1978
Age: 48
Address: 170 B and D Avenue, Morganton

Charges:
(F) Discharge Weapon into Occupied Property
(F) Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury

Court Date: 10/29/2026
Bond: NO BOND

Summary:
On October 27, 2026, deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 155 B&D Avenue in Morganton in reference to a reported stabbing or gunshot incident. Upon arrival, deputies observed a male lying in the front doorway of a residence located at 156 B&D Avenue. One deputy immediately began assessing the victim for injuries and providing aid, while additional deputies entered the residence to conduct a protective sweep.

Once the scene was secured, Burke County EMS responded and transported the victim to a local medical facility for treatment.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office immediately initiated an investigation into the shooting. On October 28, 2026, deputies and detectives, with assistance from the Burke County SWAT Team, executed a search warrant at 170 B&D Avenue in Morganton.

As a result of the investigation and the ex*****on of the search warrant, Seua Sarath was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

Felony Discharge of a Weapon into Occupied Property

Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury

Sarath was denied bond, and his initial court appearance is scheduled for October 29, 2026.

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.

Agencies Involved:
Burke County Sheriff's Office
Burke County SWAT Team
Burke County EMS
Triple Community Fire Department

10/29/2026

Sgt. Pete Ross' Retirement

🎉 Congratulations on Your Retirement, Sgt. Pete Ross! 🎉

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and congratulate Sgt. Pete Ross on his retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service to our community.

Sgt. Ross began his law enforcement career with the Maiden Police Department in 1980 before joining the Burke County Sheriff’s Office in May 1985. In June 1995, he transitioned to North Carolina Probation and Parole, where he continued his commitment to public service until he retired from the agency.

In May 2017, Sgt. Ross was promoted to Records Sergeant with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, where he continued serving until he retired in November 2025.

Throughout his career, Sgt. Ross dedicated his time and efforts to serving Burke County's citizens and supporting the public safety mission. His years of service reflect a lasting commitment to law enforcement and the community he served.

Pete, thank you for your many years of service, dedication, and commitment to Burke County. On behalf of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, we wish you all the best in your retirement and success in this next chapter of life. You have certainly earned it!

Due to Pete’s busy retirement schedule, we only recently had the opportunity to celebrate his retirement.

Congratulations and happy retirement, Sgt. Ross! 👏

10/29/2026

Carry Concealed Weapon Permit

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office recently received an inquiry from a citizen regarding a website advertising the ability to obtain a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) online within a short period of time. The citizen wanted to verify whether the website was legitimate.

We are sharing this information to encourage residents to exercise caution when visiting websites that advertise expedited concealed handgun permits and to ensure everyone understands the legal requirements and process for obtaining a permit in North Carolina.

North Carolina’s concealed handgun permit requirements are established by the North Carolina General Assembly. Sheriff’s Offices throughout the state are responsible for processing applications and ensuring applicants meet the requirements established by law.

There are no shortcuts to obtaining your concealed handgun permit. The required steps must be completed, regardless of whether you begin your application online.

The following steps are required to obtain a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit:


Complete a fi****ms training course conducted by a state-certified Concealed Handgun Instructor.
Obtain your original training certificate upon successful completion of the course.
Complete the application. If you complete the application online, you must still print, sign and bring it to the Sheriff’s Office. Submitting an online application does not automatically send it to our office.
Be fingerprinted at the Sheriff’s Office and submit your application along with the required documentation:

Original fi****ms training completion certificate
Valid North Carolina driver’s license or state-issued identification card showing proof of residence for at least 30 days
Proof of citizenship or lawful residency, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate or permanent resident card, as applicable
Military documentation, if applicable, such as the appropriate documentation for active-duty personnel or a DD-214 for discharged personnel

Allow time for background checks and application processing.
Pick up your permit in person. The Sheriff’s Office will contact you when your permit is ready for pickup. You must appear in person to receive it.

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to be cautious of websites, advertisements, or individuals promising expedited permits in exchange for an online application or payment. Always verify that you are following the official process and meeting all requirements established by North Carolina law.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself from scams and rely on official information from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office regarding the concealed handgun permit process.

10/29/2026

Halloween Message from Sheriff Banks Hinceman

Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman Offers Reminders for a Safe and Happy Halloween
The Burke County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Banks Hinceman want to wish you a Happy Halloween! While you are planning your spooky celebrations, trick-or-treating outing and other festive activities, Sheriff Hinceman asks that you keep in mind these tips to help you and your family stay safe this Halloween!

Before you plan your trick-or-treating route, take a moment to check you local s*x offender registry at https://s*xoffender.ncsbi.gov/. At this web page, you can view a map of registered s*x offenders' addresses in your area and set up an alert that will notify you if a s*x offender moves to your area.

After you have your treat-seeking route all planned out, follow these simple tips to keep your little candy collectors safe:

*Inspect all candy before consuming - some manufacturers of potentially dangerous and intoxicating h**p products design their packaging to look just like regular candy.
*Always make sure there is a trusted adult present with younger children while trick-or-treating.
*Make sure kids who are old enough to set out on their own know to remain in familiar areas.
*Choose a costume with bright colors or reflective tape so children can be seen at night!
*Choose costumes and masks that fit properly and do not obstruct vision or movement.
*Do not accept homemade treats!
*Only approach homes that are brightly lit.

Unfortunately, Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians, so if you plan to be driving around your neighborhood amongst the trick-or=treaters, make sure to remain vigilant to prevent unnecessary tragedy. When driving on Halloween, remember:

*Make sure your headlights are on.
*Take an extra look at crosswalks and intersections for groups of trick-or-treaters crossing the road.
*Drive slowly through residential areas, even if you do not see any trick-or-treaters.
*Watch for children who may dart into the street.
*Do not text and drive. It is against the law in North Carolina.
*Do not wear costumes while driving that may obstruct your vision or make it difficult for you to react quickly behind the wheel.

If you plan to stay inside and hand out candy rather than joining the ghouls and goblins in your neighborhood, you can still help keep little ones safe:

*Keep your porch and driveway clear of any tripping hazards.
*Make sure your porch is well lit for trick-or-treaters.
*Only hand out unopened, pre-packaged candy and treats - bonus points for full sized candy bars!
*Avoid potential fire-related accidents by using battery operated candles or glow sticks in your jack-o-lanterns and other decor.
*Make sure all pets are contained when you open your door.

Sheriff Hinceman is excited to join in on the festivities this year. "This Halloween doesn't have to be scary - unless of course you want it to be! But let's keep the scary fun! Be considerate of members of your community and work together to keep little ones safe while they collect their treats and enjoy this frightfully fantastic holiday!"

Be safe and, on behalf of the Burke County Sheriff's Office, Happy Halloween!

For additional information, contact (828) 438-5500.

10/27/2026

NAME: FUE FRANK XIONG
DOB: 04/01/1990
Age: 36
Address: 2404 Harding Road, Connelly Springs
Charges: (F) Indecent Liberties with a Child

Court Date: 10/29/2026
Bond: $30,000.00 Secured

Summary:
On July 14, 2026, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported s*xual assault at 2394 Harding Road in Connelly Springs. Deputies initiated an investigation into the reported incident.

As a result of the investigation, Fue Frank Xiong was arrested on October 26, 2026, and charged with Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child.

Xiong was issued a $30,000 secured bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for October 29, 2026.

Agencies Involved:
Burke County Sheriff's Office
Burke County Children’s Advocacy Center

10/27/2026

NAME: MICHAEL GAVIN SMITH
DOB: 03/21/1986
Age: 40
Address: 6744 Jenkins Rd., Morganton

Charges:
(F) Statutory R**e of a Child by an Adult - 2 counts
(F) First Degree Statutory S*x Offense – 2 counts
(F) Indecent Liberties with a Child – 2 counts
(F) In**st – 2 counts

Court Date: 04/23/2026

Bond: NO BOND

UPDATE (10/27/2026):
On October 8, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of Felony First-Degree Statutory S*x Offense. Smith was sentenced to a minimum of 300 months and a maximum of 420 months in the Division of Prisons, equivalent to 25 to 35 years of imprisonment.

Summary (April 23, 2026):
On April 14, 2026, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a s*xual assault. Following an investigation, warrants were issued for Michael Gavin Smith for two counts each of Felony Statutory R**e of a Child by an Adult, Felony First Degree Statutory S*x Offense, Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child and Felony In**st.

On April 21, 2026, Smith was located in Catawba County, taken into custody and transported to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office, where he was served with the warrant. He was initially issued no bond. At his April 23, 2026, court appearance, a judge set a $1,000,000.00 secured bond and scheduled his next court date for May 14, 2026.

Agencies Involved:
Burke County Sheriff's Office
Burke County Department of Social Services
Burke Children’s Advocacy Center
Catawba County Sheriff’s Office
Hickory Police Department