Sylva Police Department, NC

06/10/2026

The Sylva Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Katie Roberts for successfully completing the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Southwestern Community College’s Public Safety Training Center (SCC PSTC).

Officer Roberts began her law enforcement career in Georgia in 2017. After relocating to North Carolina, she attended and successfully completed BLET to earn her North Carolina law enforcement certification and continue serving in the profession she is passionate about.

Completing BLET is a significant accomplishment that requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to public service. Officer Roberts has demonstrated those qualities throughout her training and has quickly become a valued member of our department.

We are proud of Officer Roberts’ accomplishment and look forward to her continued service to the citizens of Sylva.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Roberts on this milestone and wishing her continued success in her law enforcement career.

06/02/2026

🏡 NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action is Here! 🏡

This week, communities across North Carolina are coming together to promote responsible firearm ownership through safe gun storage.

The Sylva Police Department encourages all firearm owners to take a few moments to evaluate how fi****ms are stored in their homes and make any necessary changes to help prevent unauthorized access.

Proper firearm storage is an important part of responsible gun ownership and helps protect family members, visitors, and the community.

Gun locks are available at the Sylva Police Department while supplies last. If you would like a gun lock or have questions about safe firearm storage, stop by the department and we will be happy to assist you.

For additional information and safe storage resources, visit: https://www.ncsafe.org/safestorage/

Together, we can help keep our families, homes, and community safe.

There are simple steps that every gun owner can take to ensure their firearm is stored safely. Find helpful tips and explore lock options.

05/20/2026

🎖️ PROMOTIONS within the Sylva Police Department 🎖️

The Sylva Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Sgt. Maleah Mathis to the rank of Lieutenant and Officer Brianna Foster to the rank of Sergeant.

Lt. Mathis has demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both the department and the community throughout her career. Her commitment to serving the citizens of Sylva and supporting her fellow officers has made a lasting impact within the agency.

Sgt. Foster has consistently shown initiative, dependability, and a strong work ethic in her service to the department and community. Her promotion reflects her dedication and continued growth as a leader within the agency.

“Both Lt. Mathis and Sgt. Foster have earned the respect of their peers and this community through their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service. I am proud to see them step into these leadership roles and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make within our department and for the Town of Sylva.” - Chief Aimee Sumner

Please join us in congratulating Lt. Maleah Mathis and Sgt. Brianna Foster on their well-earned promotions and wishing them continued success in their new roles. We are proud to have them serving the Town of Sylva and look forward to their continued leadership within the department.

05/18/2026

🚔 RETAIL THEFT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES 🚔

Recently, Officer Terran Brown and Sgt. Jacob Waldroup with the Sylva Police Department responded to Walmart regarding a shoplifting investigation involving a female suspect allegedly switching barcodes on merchandise.

During the investigation, officers made contact with Janet Zandra Orcutt, who admitted to changing prices on items. While speaking with officers, Ms. Orcutt also advised there may be illegal narcotics inside her bag. A subsequent search led to the discovery of approximately 31.31 grams of suspected co***ne, drug paraphernalia, and the seizure of $577.00 in U.S. currency.

As a result of the investigation, Janet Zandra Orcutt (DOB: 11/28/1964) was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking in Co***ne
- PWISD Co***ne
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Chief Aimee Sumner stated, “What began as a retail theft investigation quickly developed into a significant narcotics case because of the awareness and professionalism displayed by our officers. Officer Brown and Sgt. Waldroup did an outstanding job remaining vigilant and following through with their investigation. Their efforts continue to make a positive impact in keeping illegal drugs out of our community.”

The Sylva Police Department remains committed to proactive policing and protecting our community through strong investigative work and partnerships.

As always, charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/15/2026

Recently, the Sylva Police Department recognized several officers for their exceptional service, professionalism, and dedication to both the department and the community we proudly serve.

🏅 Officer Brittany MacLean was recognized as the Sylva Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year for her outstanding work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to the community.

🌟 Sgt. Jacob Waldroup was also recognized as the Sylva Police Department’s 2025 Supervisor of the Year for his leadership, commitment, and continued support of the officers he supervises.

🚔 Lt. Tammy Pavey and Sgt. Brandon Flesch were presented with Lifesaver Awards for their compassionate and professional response during a mental health-related call, helping bring the situation to a safe resolution.

🐕 Sgt. Josh Geiger and K9 Brody received Lifesaver Awards for their outstanding efforts in tracking and locating a missing juvenile, ultimately helping reunite the child safely with their family.

👏 Officer Terran Brown received a Commendation Letter for his professionalism, compassion, and response while assisting an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.

🔍 Officer Brittany MacLean received a Commendation Letter for her dedication, initiative, and investigative efforts during a major investigation that resulted in multiple arrests and the successful resolution of the case.

🎖️ Lt. Tammy Pavey was also recognized for earning her Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, a significant accomplishment that reflects her continued commitment to professional development and excellence in law enforcement.

We are extremely proud of these officers and thankful for the hard work, commitment, and care they demonstrate each day while serving the citizens of Sylva.

Please join us in congratulating them on these well-deserved recognitions and accomplishments.

05/14/2026

🚔 TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG SEIZURE 🚔

Last night, Sgt. Josh Geiger with the Sylva Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling westbound on US 74 after observing equipment violations. Sgt. Geiger stopped the vehicle near Exit 83 and discovered the driver was operating with a suspended license.

During the stop, Sgt. Geiger deployed his drug-detection K9, K9 Brody, who alerted on the vehicle. A search of the truck led to the discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia on the passenger, as well as approximately 63 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside a jacket behind the passenger seat. Officers also seized over $600 in U.S. currency.

A special thank you to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for their assistance during this investigation. Their deputies provided valuable support, and their teamwork was greatly appreciated.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:

Allen Christopher Adams (DOB: 10/27/1973)
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (Possession)
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (Transport)
- PWIMSD Methamphetamine
- Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance

Troy Lee Clontz (DOB: 07/24/1967)
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (Possession)
- Trafficking in Methamphetamine (Transport)
- PWIMSD Methamphetamine
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Chief Aimee Sumner stated, “This traffic stop is a perfect example of proactive policing, strong interagency teamwork, and the incredible value of our K9 program. Sgt. Geiger and K9 Brody did an outstanding job identifying dangerous narcotics before they could make their way into our community. We are proud of the work our officers and partners continue to do every day to keep Sylva safe.”

Outstanding work by Sgt. Geiger, K9 Brody, and all deputies and officers involved in helping keep illegal narcotics out of our community.

As always, charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/14/2026

🚔 PROACTIVE POLICING LEADS TO DRUG ARREST 🚔

Recently, Officer Austin McFalls with the Sylva Police Department conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle operating without tag lights. During the stop, Officer McFalls noted suspicious behavior and received inconsistent reactions from both the driver and passenger.

Sgt. Maleah Mathis responded to assist and deployed her drug-detection K9 Jack, who alerted on the vehicle. A subsequent search led to the discovery of approximately 16.3 grams of methamphetamine, over 3 grams of ma*****na, $432 in U.S. currency, and a cellular phone believed to be associated with the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Yolanda Gale George (DOB: 05/03/1970) was arrested and charged with:
• PWIMSD Methamphetamine
• Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling for Controlled Substance
• Possession of Ma*****na Less Than 1/2 oz.
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of Ma*****na Paraphernalia

Passenger, Ayena Jane French (DOB: 01/01/1991), was also arrested on an outstanding Order for Arrest out of Haywood County.

Chief Aimee Sumner stated, “This case highlights the importance of proactive policing and the teamwork displayed by our officers and K9 unit. Officer McFalls and Sgt. Mathis demonstrated excellent police work, and K9 Jack once again proved to be a tremendous asset in helping remove illegal narcotics from our community. The Sylva Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and holding offenders accountable.”

Outstanding work by Officer McFalls, Sgt. Mathis, K9 Jack, and everyone involved in the investigation.

As always, charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/14/2026

Proud of Sgt. Josh Geiger and K9 Brody for assisting the Jackson County Sheriff's Office during this investigation. Strong partnerships between local agencies continue to make a difference in keeping our communities safe. Great work by everyone involved!

05/06/2026

Vaya Health’s Leslie Lawson and Chief of Police for the Town of Sylva, Aimee Sumner, will be featured on WLOS News 13 Spotlight Carolina to discuss Vaya’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and its role in supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. CIT training equips first responders with de-escalation tools and helps connect individuals to appropriate care.

Tune in on May 6 on WLOS News 13 to learn more about how CIT training is helping create safer, more supportive communities.

05/04/2026