Eastern Cherokees work with local police on casino drug bust

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

A view of the gaming floor at the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina. Photo from Facebook

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Two people were arrested with a large quantity of drugs at a casino owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, authorities in North Carolina said.

A tribal police officer called for assistance at the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel on Friday, Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer said in a press release. Working together, the two departments arrested a couple who were found with drugs and a handgun.

"This was a great team effort in getting a large quantity of drugs off the street. We are always glad to assist our tribal neighbors," Palmer said in the press release. "Again, we see the disregard these folks have in mixing drugs and guns a very dangerous combination."

Matthew Crackle, 32, is now facing numerous drug and gun charges. Alison Hope Simpson, 23, is also facing drug charges.

Read More on the Story:
Tennessee couple arrested in Murphy for drug, gun possession (WTVC 10/10)
Cleveland pair faces drug charges at Harrah’s Casino (WDEF 10/10)
Cleveland pair jailed in investigation at Harrah's Casino (The Chattanooga Times Free Press 10/10)