Avery County Sheriff's Office Newland North Carolina

06/23/2026

The Avery County Sheriff’s Office wants to make the public aware of some unusual activity involving “door to door” sales in our community. On June 22, 2026 at approximately 630pm we were alerted to this type of activity in the Three Mile Community. The first complainant advised that a male subject approached her door and attempted to convince her to purchase some cleaning supplies, which she rejected and informed him she was not interested. The second complaint involved 3 males and 1 female who approached a residence attempting to sell vacuum cleaners.
Deputies responded to the area and successfully located the vehicle and the four individuals involved. The individuals were identified, all the appropriate checks were performed and no criminal violations had occurred as a result of their activity. Other similiar incidents were reported the following day.
If you encounter this type of activity in your community and you have interest in what they are selling, ask for a business card or a company name. It is not recommended that you allow anyone inside your residence and you should keep your door locked as you communicate with them. If you are not interested in what these individuals are selling, simply tell them you are not interested and instruct them to leave your property. If they do not comply and leave your property in a timely manner, contact the 911 center for a law enforcement response.

05/22/2026

On this week approaching Memorial Day the Avery County Sheriff’s Office would like to honor all members of our armed services who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also want to thank and honor all of our Gold Star Families who have endured overwhelming pain with the loss of a loved one. We as citizens of this great country must always remember that the freedoms we enjoy as a nation, do not come without a significant price. Thank you and may God bless you.

05/01/2026

The Avery County Sheriff's Office wants to make the public aware that you may see our new Inmate Litter Crew working around the county. This inmate crew will consist of armed detention officers and a crew of inmates who qualify and have been selected to perform this type work while serving misdemeanor sentences in our detention facility. This will be a more productive way to serve out their sentences while giving back to the community.

04/30/2026

On 29 April, 2026, Deputies with the Avery County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Newland area in reference to a sighting of a wanted person. A citizen contacted law enforcement after observing the individual near Big Mikes Campground in Newland. Deputies arriving in the area observed the wanted individual along with a juvenile female who was entered as a missing and endangered runaway. After a short foot pursuit, Avery County Sheriff's Office Canine Handlers and Drone Operators were able to track and locate the fleeing individuals in a wooded area above Hardees in Newland. Banner Elk Police Department also assisted in the search with their Drone Unit. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
The wanted male suspect is identified as Joshua John Childers, w/m, 45 years of age of Newland. He is charged with Possession of Stolen Goods, Misdemeanor Probation Violation, Two counts of a violation of a Domestic Violence Order, Felony Abduction of a Child and Felony First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. A first appearance hearing was completed and Bond is set at 655,000.00. The runaway juvenile was placed into the custody of NC Juvenile Justice.
The Avery County Sheriff's Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the NC State Bureau of Investigation Criminal Apprehension Team.

04/30/2026

Runaway juvenile. Seventeen-year-old Abbigayle “Abbie” Richardson has been located and is safe. Thank you to the public for your assistance.

04/28/2026

ENDANGERED RUNAWAY

The Avery County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a runaway juvenile. Seventeen-year-old Abbigayle “Abbie” Richardson. She was last seen on April 23, 2026 near the Avery County Courthouse. Abbigayle is approximately 5’2” tall and weighs approximately 110 lbs, green eyes, and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, and jeans. She has a tattoo of a spiderweb on her hand between her thumb and index finger. Abbigayle was reported as missing to the Avery County Sheriff's Office on April 27, 2026. Anyone with any information contact the Avery County Communications Center at 828-733-5855. Tips can also be submitted through the Avery County Sheriff’s Office App., available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

04/28/2026

Avery County Career Fair 2026

04/21/2026

04/15/2026

Relative humidity values will fall into the 25 to 30 percent range Tuesday afternoon, with winds increasing to around 10 to 15 mph with some higher gusts. With vegetation remaining dry, the ongoing drought, and favorable meteorological conditions, fires will be able to catch and spread rapidly.

04/14/2026

On this week of April 13th it is National Public Safety Telecommunicators week. The Avery County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize our Telecommunicators at the Avery County 911 Center for their dedicated service to our community. We are reminded of their significant role in helping our organization perform our mission in service to Avery County and the importance of their efforts. Thank you to all the staff at the Avery County 911 Center for what you do every day for the Citizens of Avery County.