CurtisCochran

Former Swain sheriff arrested on rape charge

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Bryson City – More than three weeks after news of his arrest and subsequent retirement shocked western North Carolina, former Swain County sheriff Curtis Abraham Cochran was placed behind bars once more on a new charge last week.

Swain sheriff retires

Kevin Hensley
Friday, July 11, 2025
Bryson City – On the same day that Curtis Cochran made his first court appearance related to a June 27 arrest on four charges related to alleged sexual misconduct, he retired from his role as Swain County Sheriff. The 72-year-old Cochran was suspended the same day of his arrest.
Curtis Cochran speaks at the Border-to-Border Tail of the Dragon Program Launch, which was held at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on June 13, 2023. Cochran was suspended from his duties as Swain County Sheriff on Friday, following his arrest in connection to alleged, recent sexual misconduct. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Curtis Cochran speaks at the Border-to-Border Tail of the Dragon Program Launch, which was held at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on June 13, 2023. Cochran was suspended from his duties as Swain County Sheriff on Friday, following his arrest in connection to alleged, recent sexual misconduct. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Swain County sheriff arrested, suspended

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Bryson City – In a move that sent shockwaves across western North Carolina, Curtis Cochran was arrested Friday by members of both the State Bureau of Investigation and Cherokee Indian Police Department, then suspended from his duties as sheriff of Swain County.

Lawsuit against Swain sheriff dismissed

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 3, 2024
A lawsuit filed nearly three years ago against Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran and former Deputy Charles Robinson has been dismissed with prejudice – meaning it can never be brought back before a court. The Sept. 20 declaration by U.S. Magistrate Judge W.
Gerry Laschober took a picture of marks left on his wrist after being handcuffed in March 2017. Photo courtesy of Gerry Laschober

Gerry Laschober took a picture of marks left on his wrist after being handcuffed in March 2017. Photo courtesy of Gerry Laschober

Police checkpoint charges dropped 17 months later

Randy Foster
Friday, March 18, 2022
* Fourth in a series Editor’s note: This is a developing story. It is complex and involves numerous incidents, individuals and agencies.
Gerry Laschober poses at the federal courthouse in Asheville on Monday, when he filed his response to a defendant’s motion to dismiss.

Gerry Laschober poses at the federal courthouse in Asheville on Monday, when he filed his response to a defendant’s motion to dismiss.

Lawsuit followed series of brushes with law

Randy Foster
Thursday, March 3, 2022
* Second in a series Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a multi-part series that is a developing story. It is highly complex and involves numerous incidents, individuals and agencies.