Graham County NC Sheriff's Office

01/24/2026

In the past several days the Public Safety family of Graham County and Western North Carolina have lost two of their members, Wanda Sellers, retired 911 telecommunicator and retired NCHSP Trooper Clay Cogdill.

Whenever Wanda was on the radio there was no question as to who was dispatching emergency help out to the public. She had a distinct unique voice which lacked timidness and displayed that of someone who cared about the people of Graham County.

Trooper Cogdill joined the NCSHP in 1987 as a member of the 80th class. Clay retired in 2015 as a trooper in Macon County. Your taser story will never be forgotten 😂.

Everyone that had the opportunity to work with either one of these fine individuals have very memorable memories.

The Graham County Sheriff’s Office wishes to posthumously thank both of these individuals for their time and service to our community. You both will be missed and always be remembered for your unwavering dedication and commitment to your fellow man.

On behalf of the entire staff of the Office of the Sheriff you will be missed.

Brad Hoxit, Sheriff

01/23/2026

Our deepest condolences.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, SCC, Mourn Loss of Cadet in Training

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office NC is deeply saddened to report the death of one of its own.

Cadet Ryan Phillip Ferreira, 26, was conducting law enforcement cadet training with Basic Law Enforcement Training Class 93 Thursday morning at Southwestern Community College NC’s Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Franklin when he appeared to suffer a medical emergency during physical training assessment.

SCC instructors and cadets immediately administered life-saving measures as Macon County EMS and Fire-Rescue personnel arrived at the training center within seven minutes. Ferreira was transported to Angel Medical Center, where he unfortunately passed away.

“This is an extremely difficult day for Ryan’s family, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, his fellow cadets, SCC training staff, and the Western North Carolina community,” said Sheriff Doug Farmer, Jackson County. “We are grateful for his dedication to serve our community, and his loss is devastating. I ask the public to keep Ryan’s family, friends and fellow deputies and cadets in your prayers during this very difficult time.”

Ferreira is from Franklin and is a 2019 graduate of Franklin High School. He is also a 2023 graduate of Southwestern Community College, obtaining his Criminal Justice Degree. He was hired by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 12, 2026, which was his first day of BLET.

“We are deeply heartbroken by the sudden passing of our student, who was taken from us far too soon,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC President. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends as we mourn this profound loss together as a community.”

“We are devastated,” said Curtis Dowdle, SCC’s Dean of Public Safety Training. “This tragedy cut short the life of a promising young man, who was dedicated to serving all of us. Like everyone at the Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center, I am completely heartbroken.”

We will release more information as it becomes available.

01/21/2026

Public Safety Announcement from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office

We want to help clear up some confusion in our community about ma*****na, CBD, and North Carolina law.

We have been getting many complaints about individuals walking town and smoking crack pipes. My deputies and I personally have encountered these individuals and this is what we have found. They do have a pipe but they are buying what is presumed to be legal at the local stores cbd and thc and smoking it in the pipe. This does smell like ma*****na but it is considered legal until it has been tested by a private lab and proven otherwise.

Ma*****na vs. CBD — What’s the Difference?

Ma*****na

Ma*****na is cannabis that contains higher levels of THC, the chemical that causes a “high.” Under North Carolina law, ma*****na is still illegal to possess, use, grow, or sell, except in very limited circumstances allowed by law.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a compound found in cannabis that does not cause a high. CBD can be derived from h**p, which is treated differently under the law.

The Law (Farm Bill & North Carolina)

The 2018 Federal Farm Bill, followed by North Carolina, made h**p legal if it contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

H**p-derived CBD products that meet this standard are legal in North Carolina.

Cannabis products that exceed the THC limit are considered ma*****na and remain illegal under state law.

Where CBD Products Can Be Purchased

Legal, h**p-derived CBD products may be sold at licensed and permitted retailers, including:

• CBD/h**p specialty stores

• Some convenience stores and retail shops

• Other businesses authorized to sell h**p products

Consumers should be aware that not all products are created equal, and legality depends on THC content — not how a product is marketed.

Pipes, Accessories & Legal Responsibility

You may see pipes, glassware, or smoking accessories sold in stores that also sell CBD or h**p products.

• These items may be legal to purchase and possess on their own.

• However, using them for illegal substances — including ma*****na — is still against the law.

• Intent and use matter under North Carolina law.

Important Reminder

H**p and ma*****na often look and smell the same, but that does not change the law. Possession of ma*****na can result in criminal charges.

In Summary

Legal: H**p-derived CBD products with ≤ 0.3% Delta-9 THC

Illegal: Ma*****na and THC products over the legal limit.

On November 18, 2021 the North Carolina State Crime Lab notified all law enforcement agencies they would no longer test evidence (with the exception of DWI’s) for the presence of THC. This is the reason we, Graham County Sheriff’s Office go the extra step to use private labs for testing.

They currently do not have the required equipment to distinguish between ma*****na and legally produced industrial h**p, a limitation that has created significant challenges in drug prosecutions across the state.

The State Crime Lab can test for the presence of delta-9 THC, but it cannot quantify the levels to differentiate between ma*****na (high THC) and h**p (0.3% or less THC).

Despite the inability to differentiate, NC courts have held that a trained officer's testimony (based on odor or sight) is sufficient for probable cause to search and sometimes for conviction.

Accessories may be legal to buy, but illegal use is still illegal

Our goal is education, safety, and transparency. If you have questions, please contact the Graham County Sheriff’s Office or consult legal counsel.

We would like to thank the community for being concerned about our community and helping us keep it safer!

Brad Hoxit, Sheriff

Travis Brooks, Chief Deputy

01/20/2026

01/16/2026

This is another prime example of how we cooperate with other agencies to fight crime and drugs in our county and our country.

Mr. James is being held waiting extradition by the Texas authorities.

Mr. McCollister has been charged locally with Felony Harboring an Escapee; Felony Possession of Co***ne,; and Possessing a Firearm by Felon He was taken before a magistrate and is currently being held with "No Bond."

01/15/2026

On 01/04/2026, Graham County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Narcotics Detectives executed a search warrant at 1083 Hares Creek Rd., the residence of Jackie Lee Phillips and Tanya Dawn Patton.

During the ex*****on of the warrant, 3 separate quantities of suspected Methamphetamine and a quantity of suspected Fentanyl were seized from the residence.

The investigation was originally initiated after concerned community members reported suspicious activity to Graham County Investigators.

Both Patton and Phillips were placed under arrest for Controlled Substance violations.

Phillips received a $250,000 secured bond and Patton received a $150,000 secured bond from a Graham County magistrate.

The Graham County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens of Graham County for their continued support and assistance in combatting drugs in our community.

The Sheriff’s Office also greatly encourages the public to report suspicious activity to us. Any information that a citizen can provide, no matter how small it may seem, can greatly assist investigators and deputies.

01/14/2026

Graham County Sheriff’s Office
Official Community Information Release

On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, narcotics detectives with the Graham County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding suspected illegal narcotics activity at a residence located on Tallulah Road, involving fentanyl.
Following an initial investigation, detectives developed sufficient probable cause to apply for a search warrant, which was granted and served later that same day. During the ex*****on of the warrant, deputies recovered approximately 3.99 grams of fentanyl, multiple items of drug paraphernalia including digital scales and devices used to introduce narcotics into the body. Detective also seized individually packaged Schedule IV controlled substances, and several small baggies consistent with the packaging of controlled substances for sale.

Two individuals were present in the residence and were taken into custody:
Kaitlynn Teesateskie Elliot
Richard Oliver Garland

Both individuals were charged with:
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sale, or Deliver of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Maintaining a Dwelling for the Sale of a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sale, or Deliver Fentanyl

In accordance with current North Carolina pre-trial release guidelines, both individuals were to be held for up to 48 hours pending review by a judicial official. Elliot and Garland appeared in front of a District Court Judge the following day and were set secured bonds of $5000.

The Graham County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the professionalism, dedication, and diligence of its narcotics detectives and deputies involved in this investigation. Their continued efforts are vital in addressing illegal drug activity and protecting the safety and well-being of our community.

Public Safety Notice:
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid, significantly stronger than he**in or morphine. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl has proven to

12/25/2025

Last week, I was contacted by a doctor from Duke Children’s Hospital in Durham. She told me she had heard I might have a connection to reindeer and asked if I could help. When I asked what she was looking for, she began telling me about a very special child who had been in the hospital for a long time. His one wish was to see a live reindeer.

After hearing more about the children, I knew right then that I was going—no matter what. I asked when she had in mind, and she said she knew it was short notice, but asked if we could do it before Christmas. My response was simple: absolutely, we’ll make it happen.

Back when I was a trooper, Sgt. Ty Gibbs and I used to do a lot of special things like this together, so it only felt right that we make this trip side by side. On Monday, Sgt. Ty Gibbs and I traveled to Durham and had the opportunity to visit with many of the children and hospital staff. The smiles, the joy, and the moments shared are something pictures could never fully capture.

I want to sincerely thank Duke Children’s Hospital for the invitation and Sgt. Ty Gibbs for helping make this a day we will never forget. 🎄🦌