CHEROKEE, N.C. — Swain County residents were left stunned after the arrest of their sheriff, Curtis Cochran, who now faces a series of serious charges.
On Friday, July 28, 2025, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Cherokee Indian Police arrested 72-year-old Cochran. He has been charged with sexual battery and solicitation to commit prostitution, along with additional offenses under Cherokee tribal law.
According to officials, Cochran is also facing:
Two counts of oppression in office
One count of abusive sexual contact
The charges have shocked the western North Carolina community, where Cochran held a position of trust.
“Wow, I did not know this,” said Swain County resident Patti Griffith. “I hate to see this happen to someone we relied on to keep us safe.”
“I couldn’t believe someone in power like that would do something like this,” added Alldon Phillips, who works at The Chocolate Shop.
As per North Carolina law, the chief deputy will now assume duties as acting sheriff while the county addresses the vacancy.
Authorities have not released further details about the investigation, which is ongoing.
