Here is an update from Chief Deputy Brian Kirkland:
As many citizens of Swain County have heard through various media outlets, on June 27, 2025,an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation resulted in criminal charges being levied against Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran Subsequently, Superior Court Judge Tessa Sellers ordered the immediate suspension of Sheriff Curtis Cochran from the Office of Sheriff of Swain County.
Under North Carolina law, the Chief Deputy is to perform all the duties of the sheriff during the suspension period until the statutory process of filling the vacancy is completed.
Please feel secure that there will be no disruption in the services provided by the Swain County Sheriff's Office as a result of this situation. The men and women of the Swain County Sheriff's Office remain committed to serving and protecting the citizens and residents of Swain County.
Since this involves a criminal investigation the Sheriff’s Office is not in a position to make any further statements.
Chief Deputy Brian Kirkland
Swain County Sheriff's Office
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PRESS RELEASE (06-27-2025)
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch 43rd Prosecutorial District
Today, agents with the State Bureau of Investigation and police officers with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians arrested Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran, 72.
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said that Cochran has been charged with four state crimes. These are: felonious restraint; assault on a female; sexual battery; and solicitation to commit prostitution.
These alleged acts, if proved, constitute corruption while in office in violation of N.C. General Statute 128-6(3). In addition, Cochran has been charged with violations of the Cherokee Code; specifically, two counts of oppression in office and one count of abusive sexual contact.
In a petition filed today in state Superior Court, District Attorney Welch requested that a Superior Court judge immediately suspend Cochran from his position as sheriff.
She also requested that the judge order a hearing to both permanently remove Cochran as sheriff and to permanently disqualify him from the office of Sheriff of Swain County.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Tessa Sellers suspended Cochran and set a hearing in Graham County for July 7 to review the suspension. She set a final determination in Swain County for July 21 on the petition to remove Cochran.
Note: Warrants and the petition for removal are public records. As such, they are available from the Swain County Clerk of Court and on the state’s ecourt portal.
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WLOS-TV has more on their website.
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