Sheriff's Reports 5-28-24: Deputies find 'homemade bomb' materials during burglary investigation

Deputies made a disturbing discovery as they were investigating a suspected burglary incident.

On May 20, Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Carver was dispatched to reports of suspicious activity on North 547 Road. Dispatch advised that an individual was seen loading things into the back of a truck that had no tag. Other deputies began searching for the suspected vehicle while Carver drove to the residence. Carver pulled up to the driveway where a black truck was parked. Justin Monroe Wilson was seen exiting the residence and said he didn't own the house, but thought about buying it. Wilson said the state owned the house. Carver noticed damage to the door as if it had been kicked in. Wilson was detained and the homeowner said she wanted to press charges. Deputies searched the truck and recovered property from the residence. A firearm was located and Lt. Tanner Hendley advised that Wilson was a convicted felon. Materials to make a homemade bomb and burglary tools were also located along with marijuana and fentanyl. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was contacted due to the materials found in the vehicle. Wilson was transported to jail and booked on several charges.

Deputy Justin Richardson conducted a traffic stop May 19 near Red Fuller Road due to a vehicle not having a license plate. The driver, Shane-Marie Kues, claimed she had just purchased the vehicle but she didn't have her driver's license with her. She gave the deputy her license number and insurance information. Dispatch advised that Kues' license was valid and the vehicle was registered to her. Richardson contacted the insurance company and the agent said that specific vehicle wasn't listed on the policy. The deputy told Kues the vehicle was going to be impounded due to the insurance not being valid. Richardson searched the vehicle and found a container with a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, marijuana, two homemade smoking devices, and a baggie with a spoon and syringes. Kues was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

On May 19, Deputy Richardson pulled over a Nissan truck near Stanley Drive for defective equipment. Justice Scott Carter said he didn't have a driver's license but gave the deputy a state-issued ID card. Carter was arrested for driving under suspension while his passenger was free to leave.

Deputy Nick Chute responded to the area of Jones Road and Rice Road May 27 for a suspicious activity call. The person who called dispatch said Matthew Potts was possibly walking toward a residence on Steely Hollow Road. Dispatch advised that Potts had a felony warrant. Deputy Carver located the man and took him into custody. A pair of brass knuckles were found in the pocket of Potts' pants. Potts was transported to jail and booked for unlawful carry of a weapon and the warrant.