Swain County -- June 28, 2026: A joint probation operation involving NC State Probation and Parole, the Swain County Sheriff's Office, and the Cherokee Indian Police Department resulted in multiple arrests and drug-related charges during a coordinated enforcement effort conducted on June 23.
Known as Operation Schools Out, the operation focused on individuals on probation who were subject to warrantless searches as part of their court-ordered supervision. Officials said the effort was designed to enhance public safety, ensure probation compliance, and address suspected illegal drug activity throughout the community.
Sheriff Brian Kirkland said cooperative operations strengthen law enforcement's ability to protect the public.
"When agencies combine resources and share information, we are better positioned to identify criminal activity, locate wanted individuals, and remove illegal drugs from our communities," Kirkland said.
Cherokee Indian Police Chief Carla Neadeau said the operation demonstrated the importance of regional partnerships in addressing crime.
"The Cherokee Indian Police Department remains committed to working with our neighboring and state partners to keep our community safe," Neadeau said. "Operation Schools Out demonstrates the value of coordinated enforcement and proactive probation compliance checks in addressing illegal drug activity and other offenses."
Cherokee Indian Police Department Arrests
• Tori Gunter, 38, was charged with maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held at the Swain County Detention Center without bond.
• Christopher Sherman, 21, was arrested on five counts of failure to appear. He is being held at the Swain County Detention Center under an $11,000 secured bond.
• Brooke Ensley, 35, was charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (DMT), possession of a controlled substance in a detention facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held at the Cherokee Indian Detention Center under a $4,000 secured bond.
• James Craig Jones, 40, was charged with violating an exclusion order issued by Cherokee Tribal Court. He is being held without bond at the Cherokee Indian Detention Center. Authorities said he is also expected to face a Swain County charge of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) upon his release.
• Dylan Wahnetah, 40, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Susan Ashely Welch, 40, was charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance (DMT) and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine).
• Sandy Wahnetah, 60, was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine).
Swain County Sheriff's Office Arrests
• Gerald Hanson, 28, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of controlled substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is being held under a $23,000 secured bond.
• Shawn Hudson, 48, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and an outstanding warrant for failure to pay child support. He is being held without bond on the criminal charges and under an $8,230 child support bond.
Officials from the participating agencies said coordinated enforcement operations such as Operation Schools Out help improve probation compliance while strengthening efforts to reduce illegal drug activity and enhance public safety across Swain County and the Cherokee community.
Participating agencies included NC State Probation and Parole, the Swain County Sheriff's Office, and the Cherokee Indian Police Department.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.