Robbinsville -- August 6, 2026: The Robbinsville Board of Aldermen has formally accepted Mayor Shaun Adams' request for a three-month leave of absence following his arrest on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a law enforcement investigation earlier this week.
The board's decision comes just days after Adams was arrested on Monday, August 3, on six felony drug-related charges, including drug trafficking, along with misdemeanor charges for carrying a concealed firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. The criminal charges remain pending, and Adams is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
During a special meeting, the Robbinsville Board of Aldermen approved Adams' request to temporarily step away from his duties while the criminal case moves through the judicial system. The leave is expected to last approximately three months, allowing town government to continue operating while the mayor addresses the legal proceedings.
Town officials have not announced whether the leave could be extended or whether additional action may be considered depending on future developments in the criminal case.
According to information released following the arrest, Adams faces six felony controlled substance charges, including drug trafficking, as well as misdemeanor charges of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities have not publicly released detailed information regarding the quantity or type of narcotics allegedly involved, and investigators have not disclosed additional evidence connected to the case. The investigation remains active, and more information could become available through future court proceedings.
The arrest has drawn significant attention throughout Robbinsville, where Adams has served as mayor and participated in numerous municipal projects and policy discussions. During his tenure, he has been involved in matters concerning infrastructure improvements, municipal finances, public utilities, and economic development initiatives.
With the mayor temporarily stepping away from office, the Town of Robbinsville is expected to continue normal operations under its existing municipal leadership structure. Town officials have not indicated that essential services or ongoing projects will be affected during Adams' absence.
The criminal case will now proceed through the North Carolina court system, where prosecutors must present evidence supporting the charges and Adams will have the opportunity to respond through the legal process. As with any criminal matter, an arrest is not a conviction, and every defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Robbinsville Board of Aldermen has not announced whether it will revisit Adams' status before the conclusion of his requested leave. Any future action will likely depend on developments in the criminal proceedings and any additional information that becomes available.
WNC Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as official information becomes available through court filings, law enforcement announcements, and town officials.