Murphy, NC—Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the March 22nd, 2015 arrest of Thomas Robert Raxter, a 32 year old Marble North Carolina man for narcotics violations and domestic assault charges and Katherine Danielle West, a 24 year woman who reported she was homeless for narcotics violations, domestic assault charges and failure to pay child support.On or about March 22, 2015 at about 1:00 pm the Cherokee County Communications Center received a call from Raxter’s residence requesting a deputy come to his come out and investigate domestic assault report. As Sheriff’s Office deputies were responding members of the North Carolina Highway Patrol who were in the area responded to the call for assistance.

Upon arrival at Raxter’s residence it was determined that Raxter and West had been in a physical altercation and because of their relationship both were arrested for domestic assault. During the investigation a quantity of methamphetamine and articles used to smoke methamphetamine were located. While doing a wants and warrants check it was found that West had an order for arrest for over $ 3,500.00 in back child support.

Raxter and West are currently confined at the Cherokee County Detention Center under no bond because of the domestic charges. West will be required to remain in jail until she pays a civil purge amount in excess of $3,500.00.

Sheriff Palmer stated “We want to thank the North Carolina Highway Patrol who assisted in this arrest. Again we see a parent who wasn’t paying child support but yet had the money to purchase drugs.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at [email protected] or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.