Madison County Sheriff's Office

Madison County Sheriff's Office This page is for the public interest, regarding news in Madison County, NC

Traffic Stop Leads to Recovery of Stolen Property and Methamphetamine SeizureSheriff Buddy Harwood announced that a traf...
06/03/2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Recovery of Stolen Property and Methamphetamine Seizure

Sheriff Buddy Harwood announced that a traffic stop conducted by deputies with the Madison County Sheriff's Office resulted in the recovery of stolen property, the seizure of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and an ongoing investigation into additional theft-related offenses.
On May 31, 2026, deputies observed a pickup truck towing a trailer loaded in an unsafe and haphazard manner. As the vehicle made a turn, several items fell from the trailer onto the roadway, creating a traffic hazard. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and discovered the vehicle was being operated without a current registration and without proof of insurance.
During an inventory search conducted prior to towing the vehicle, deputies discovered a saw that had been reported stolen. Further investigation led to the discovery of approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine, a glass smoking pipe, small plastic zipper bags commonly used for packaging narcotics, and digital scales.
As a result of the investigation, Christopher Nash was arrested and charged with:

Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping or Selling Controlled Substances
Possession of Stolen Property

Nash was transported to the Madison County Detention Facility, where he is being held under a $25,000 secured bond.
Following Nash's arrest, investigators continued their inquiry and recovered two stolen trailers, a stolen boat, and additional stolen property believed to be connected to ongoing criminal activity.
The investigation remains active. Additional charges are anticipated, and investigators expect further arrests of co-conspirators as the case progresses.
Sheriff Harwood commended the deputies and investigators involved, stating, "This case demonstrates how proactive law enforcement and attention to seemingly minor traffic violations can lead to the discovery of much larger criminal activity. We remain committed to protecting our citizens and holding offenders accountable."

Back To School Bash 2026**update**The location will be at the Madison County Fairgrounds! A new flyer will be posted soo...
06/03/2026

Back To School Bash 2026
**update**
The location will be at the Madison County Fairgrounds! A new flyer will be posted soon.

Summer has just begun, but the Madison County Sheriff's Office is already looking forward to helping students prepare for a successful school year!

Join us for our annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Madison County Sheriff's Office, located at 348 Medical Park Drive in Marshall.

This free community event will feature school supply giveaways, free food, entertainment, fun games, and much more. It's a great opportunity for families to come together, enjoy a day of fun, and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office is currently accepting monetary donations and donations of new school supplies to help make this event a success. Donations may be dropped off at the Sheriff's Office.

Mark your calendars and make plans to join us. We look forward to seeing you there as we work together to support the students and families of Madison County!

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Offers Hope During Revival at Detention FacilityThe Madison County Sheriff’s Office rece...
05/22/2026

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Offers Hope During Revival at Detention Facility

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office recently concluded a five-night revival service at the Madison County Detention Center. Participation and attendance were completely voluntary and open to all inmates and sheriff’s office personnel.
Throughout the week, guest preachers and worship leaders filled the detention facility’s sally port with worship, prayer, and messages of faith and hope. The services were organized with the goal of providing encouragement and spiritual support to those inside the facility.
Sheriff Buddy Harwood continues to emphasize offering hope, guidance, and opportunities for positive change to every individual who enters the detention center. Sheriff Harwood stated:
“I start by saying Praise God! I want to thank Pastor Raymond Cantrell and his prayerful leadership and discernment about the revival that we are having at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. To all the preachers and singers, words cannot ever describe how God has used you all as a vessel for the kingdom of God! We have had 20 individuals profess salvation, 21 baptized, and 2 who have answered their calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to the volunteer ministers, worship leaders, and community members who contributed their time and support to the event.

Registered S*x Offender Arrested for Violating Premise Restrictions in Mars HillMay 13, 2026Sheriff Buddy Harwood announ...
05/13/2026

Registered S*x Offender Arrested for Violating Premise Restrictions in Mars Hill

May 13, 2026
Sheriff Buddy Harwood announced that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has arrested registered s*x offender Manuel Cavazos for being on premises intended primarily for the gathering of children, in violation of North Carolina General Statute §14-208.18.
North Carolina General Statute §14-208.18 makes it unlawful for any person required to register as a s*x offender to be at certain locations involving children, including:

On the premises of any place intended primarily for the use, care, or supervision of minors, including but not limited to schools, children’s museums, child care centers, nurseries, and playgrounds;
Within 300 feet of any location intended primarily for the use, care, or supervision of minors when the location is situated on property not primarily intended for minors, including areas within malls, shopping centers, or other public property; or
At any place where minors frequently congregate, including but not limited to libraries, arcades, amusement parks, recreation parks, and swimming pools, when minors are present.

North Carolina S*x Offender Registry records show that Manuel Cavazos was convicted in Okaloosa County Florida on August 30, 2012, of four counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Under 12 Years of Age. Following his release from prison and relocation to Mars Hill, Mr. Cavazos was required to register as a s*x offender in North Carolina on August 11, 2022. Mr. Cavazos is classified as a s*xual predator.
Investigators determined that Mr. Cavazos had been present on property belonging to Madison County Schools located at 200 School House Lane in Mars Hill, as well as on the Mars Hill Greenway, while children were present. Investigators determined that Mr. Cavazos did not attempt to enter the school building.
Mr. Cavazos was arrested and given a $100,000 secured bond by a district court judge. The bond was later posted, and Mr. Cavazos is expected to be released from custody later today.
Sheriff Harwood stated, “The protection of our children remains one of the highest priorities of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Individuals required to register as s*x offenders are responsible for understanding and complying with the restrictions placed upon them. We will continue to enforce these laws as written to help ensure the safety of children in our communities.”

Fugitive Arrested on Probation ViolationsMay 8, 2026The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies, along w...
05/09/2026

Fugitive Arrested on Probation Violations

May 8, 2026
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced that deputies, along with probation officers, conducted an operation in the Rector Corner community near Miller Road and Elm Drive in an effort to locate probationer Joseph Tyler Griffey (DOB: 06/14/1996).
During the operation, Mr. Griffey was located hiding inside a relative’s residence and was taken into custody without incident.
Joseph Tyler Griffey was charged with multiple probation violations and placed under a $10,000 secured bond related to those violations. Mr. Griffey is also being held on a fugitive warrant for pending theft charges from multiple agencies in and around Greene County, TN.
Sheriff Buddy Harwood stated that this arrest highlights the importance of cooperation between agencies and neighboring communities.
“Even though our communities are divided by a state line, law enforcement continues working together with one common goal — creating a safer, united community.”

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Jury Duty Scam 🚨The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scam calls claiming you mis...
05/01/2026

🚨 SCAM ALERT: Jury Duty Scam 🚨

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scam calls claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine or face arrest.
This is NOT legitimate.
⚠️ We will never:

Call and demand payment
Threaten arrest over the phone
Accept gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers

Scammers may spoof our number or use real names to sound convincing.
✅ What to do:

Hang up immediately
Do not give out personal information
Do not send money
Report the call to our office

Stay alert and help protect others by sharing this post.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest in Franklin Mountain Road HomicideSheriff Buddy Harwood announced that depu...
04/22/2026

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest in Franklin Mountain Road Homicide

Sheriff Buddy Harwood announced that deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest in connection with the murder of Kenneth Larry Patterson.
Following an extensive investigation, Douglas Rex Conner (70) of Greeneville, Tennessee, was taken into custody on April 21, 2026.
Investigators have determined that the shooting occurred as a result of what is believed to have been a domestic-related, jealous rage.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office, Laurel Fire Department, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives (ATF), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) for their valuable assistance throughout the investigation.
Sheriff Harwood expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Patterson family and commended investigators for their dedication and persistence in bringing clarity and accountability to this tragic case.

SCAM ALERT: “Failure to Pay Toll” Texts and NoticesThe Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new ...
04/05/2026

SCAM ALERT: “Failure to Pay Toll” Texts and Notices

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new scam involving fraudulent “failure to pay” or “toll evasion” notices. These messages are designed to look official and may threaten arrest, license suspension, or additional penalties if immediate payment is not made.
What to watch for:

Messages claiming you owe money for unpaid electronic tolls
Threats of arrest or legal action if you do not pay immediately
Links directing you to a website that appears legitimate
QR codes directing you to fraudulent payment sites
Requests for payment through unusual methods (gift cards, prepaid cards, or direct links)

Important reminders:

Government agencies do not threaten arrest via text message or email
Legitimate toll agencies do not demand immediate payment through unsolicited messages
These scams often use fake websites, QR codes, and caller ID spoofing to appear real

What you should do:

Do not click on any links or respond to the message
Do not scan any QR codes included in the message or notice
Do not provide personal or financial information
Do not send money or make payments based on unsolicited contact
If you are concerned, contact the toll agency directly using an official phone number or website

If you receive one of these messages, simply delete it.
Stay vigilant—scammers rely on urgency and fear to get you to act quickly. Always take a moment to verify before responding.

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Announces Anonymous Crime Tip LineSheriff Buddy Harwood announced that the Madison Count...
04/02/2026

Madison County Sheriff’s Office Announces Anonymous Crime Tip Line

Sheriff Buddy Harwood announced that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has set up a new anonymous crime tip phone line to encourage community members to share information about criminal activity. This line gives people a safe and confidential way to provide tips without revealing who they are. No caller ID information is displayed or captured.
Madison County NC Crime Tip Line:(828) 649-1822
This phone line is in addition to the anonymous text-based “Submit a Tip” feature already available through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, giving residents more convenient options to share information.
The tip line is for non-emergency information only. If you have an active situation or need immediate law enforcement response, please call 911.
Tips received through the line will be reviewed by investigators and may help with current or future cases. Sheriff Harwood emphasized that community involvement remains essential to keeping Madison County a safe and desirable place to live, work, worship, and enjoy everyday life.

Address

348 Medical Park Drive
Marshall, NC
28753

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