Multiple Arrests in "Operation Up the Creek"

Jackson County --  The Jackson County Sheriff's Office carried out "Operation Up the Creek" on May 5, 2025, in coordination with many other agencies.  This operation was part of a multi-day enforcement campaign against Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC).

Months were spent organizing and planning the covert operation and encompassed more than 45 law enforcement personnel, including federal, state, and local detectives.

The goal of ICAC task teams is to look into, prosecute, and create efficient solutions for crimes against children that are made possible by technology.  Federal charges may possibly be brought against some of these suspects.  

Participating agencies included:
- Department of Homeland Security
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (Western District)
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation ICAC Task Force
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Information Sharing and Analysis Center
- Western Carolina University Police Department
- Huntersville Police Department
- Waynesville Police Department
- Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office
- Macon County Sheriff’s Office
- Franklin Police Department
- District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch NC43 Prosecutorial       District
- United States Attorney’s Office Western District
- United States Secret Service
- North Carolina Forest Service
- Jackson County Emergency Management
- Jackson County 911 Communications Director
- Administrative Staff Jackson County Sheriff’s Office 
- Harris EMS

Brandon Scott Severt 32, of Rowan County
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $300,000

Vincent John Lamonica 53, of Transylvania County
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $300,000

Nathan Lewis Burch 25, of Rutherford County
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $350,000

Michael Glenn Lowe 29, of Hamilton County TN
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
Carrying Concealed Weapon
He was given a secured bond of $300,000

Jon Thomas Beall Jr. 32, of Knox County TN
Attempted First Degree Statutory Rape
Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $500,000

Joshua Phillip Phelps 28, of Stanly County NC
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $500,000

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCTimes

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