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Teen Sextortion | Sheriff Accused Of Misconduct | Huge Holiday Fight: Patch PM

Curtis Cochran, longtime Swain County sheriff, retired effective July 1, 2025, following charges and removal efforts in western North Carolina.
On June 27, Cochran was formally charged with felony-level restraint, misdemeanor sexual battery, prostitution solicitation, and assault involving a woman, while the district attorney submitted a petition to have him removed from office.
The petition included affidavits from two women alleging Cochran made unwanted sexual advances while driving on Eastern Band Cherokee land, specifically the Qualla Boundary in Swain County.
In an affidavit, one woman reported that Cochran told her if she ever faced difficulties, she only needed to mention his name, and he would assist her; she chose not to do so.
After Cochran's retirement, the removal petition became moot, the chief deputy assumed sheriff duties, and Cochran faces an August 5 court hearing with charges pending under state and tribal law.

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