4 arrests made for fentanyl possession

Couple arrested for suspected theft of vehicle parts, property

Kaitlyn Teesateskie Elliott

Tallulah – The Graham County Sheriff's Office rang in the New Year by making a positive impact on the local distribution of fentanyl, arresting four individuals for suspected possession of the deadly substance.

On New Year's Eve, narcotics detectives received intel that illegal drug activity was taking place at a RV park off Tallulah Road. The sheriff's office moved quickly, obtaining a search warrant for the residence the same day and obtaining 3.99 grams of fentanyl.

Also discovered were multiple items of drug paraphernalia, including digital scales and devices used to introduce narcotics into the body; individually-packaged, Schedule IV controlled substances; and other small baggies consistent with the packaging of selling controlled substances.

Kaitlyn Teesateskie Elliott, 25; and Richard Oliver Garland, 40 were both arrested in the search and assessed identical charges:

* Possession with intent to sell/manufacture/deliver fentanyl;

* Possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver schedule IV controlled substance (two counts);

* Maintain a dwelling for the sale of a schedule II controlled substance.

Elliott was given a $5,000 secured bond, while Garland was issued a secured bond of $25,000.

"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," reads a portion of the release about the arrests. "Their continued efforts are vital in addressing illegal drug activity and protecting the safety and well-being of our community."

More fentanyl found

Just five days later, a report concerning suspicious activity led to another search warrant being executed at 1083 Hares Creek Road. Three separate quantities of suspected methamphetamine and a quantity of suspected fentanyl were found inside the home.

Tanya Dawn Patton, 51; and Jackie Lee Phillips, 58 were both arrested and issued the same charges:

* Trafficking in methamphetamine;

* Possession of fentanyl;

* Maintain place controlled substance.

Patton received a $150,000 secured bond, while Phillips was issued a $250,000 secured bond.

"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," reads a statement attached to the release about the arrests. "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."

Fentanyl warning

The sheriff's office also included a public notice about the dangers involved with being exposed to fentanyl in both releases.

"Fentanyl is a highly-potent synthetic opioid, significantly stronger than heroin or morphine. As little as two milligrams of fentanyl has proven to be lethal. While the amount seized in this case may appear minimal, it was sufficient to pose a serious risk to multiple individuals.

Fentanyl is commonly sold in quantities equivalent to 0.1 grams. One gram of a substance such as fentanyl could potentially result in 10 or more illegal drug sales. The presence and distribution of fentanyl remains a major public health and safety concern nationwide.

"The Graham County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enforcement, prevention and community partnership in addressing the dangers posed by illegal narcotics."

Meth, thefts don't mix

Snowbird – Deputies were dispatched to a residence off Poison Branch Road in Snowbird on Dec. 27, regarding larceny of items from the property and the tampering of a tan Utility Task Vehicle at the residence. A mini-excavator had also been removed from the property and found elsewhere on Poison Branch.

The UTV was identified by investigators as one used in a separate larceny by 26-year-old Bryson City resident Tyler Joseph Morgan earlier in the week.

Deputies followed up with 39-year-old Samantha Marlene Galloway at her Snowbird residence, as investigators

had determined Morgan and Galloway were in a relationship.

Items missing from the Poison Branch address were seen on Galloway's property.

A search warrant was obtained, leading to deputies seizing the stolen items – as well as suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Both were booked into the Graham County Detention Center on Dec. 27. Galloway was charged with two counts of possession of stolen goods. Morgan's list of charges were much longer:

* Possession of methamphetamine;

* Possession of marijuana, up to ½ ounce;

* Misdemeanor larceny (three counts);

* Larceny of motor vehicle parts;

* Breaking and/or entering (two counts);