6 locals arrested on drug charges

    Murphy – Six local residents were arrested on federal charges last week following an investigation that spanned more than a year.
    “This is a group of people that was identified as being main players in Cherokee County about 18 months ago,” Sheriff Derrick Palmer said. “They’re responsible for moving multiple pounds of methamphetamine and heroin.”
    Matthew Wondra, 32; Jamie Allen, 54; Derek Wilson, 47; Leslie Cartwright, 39; Brian Majercik, 42; and Christopher Price, 42. were each charged by a federal grand jury. They were arrested on Feb. 24.
    The indictments, which were obtained by the Cherokee Scout, do not provide much detail about the alleged crimes. However,
officials say the charges include allegations that the group helped facilitate drug deals for other people as well as themselves.
    Court documents accuse Allen, Wilson and Wondra of conspiring to distribute large amounts of crystal methamphetamine and heroin. Wondra is also charged with weapons offenses in the drug scheme.
    Court documents charge Cartwright and Majerick with distribution of meth and marijuana. Meanwhile, Price is charged with distribution of meth and multiple weapons offenses.
    Law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina participated in the investigation, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the U.S. Postal Inspector Service.
    “We will continue to work with our federal partners to address the drug problems we face,” Palmer said. “We’re not done yet. This was just the first group that we’re going after. There are other active federal investigations going on in partnership with the sheriff’s office.”