‘Operation Up the Creek:' Jackson Co. reveals operation to catch child predators
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) – The Jackson County Sheriff's Office revealed a multi-day undercover operation that resulted in six arrests in an attempt to crack down on child sex crimes in Western North Carolina.
Called 'Operation Up the Creek,' the operation consisted of over 45 local, state, and federal, law enforcement officers going undercover to locate and arrest individuals distributing or participating in technology-facilitated crimes against children.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said that this operation was a first for the county. The office also thanked the many agencies that helped in the operation, including the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security.
The operation resulted in six official arrests, with additional suspects potentially facing charges. These charges will be disclosed at a later date, according to the sheriff's office.
The six arrested were given the following charges:
Brandon Scott Severt, 32, of Rowan County
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under 15
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
Vincent John Lamonica, 53, of Transylvania County
Attempted statutory rape of a child under 15
Solicitation of a minor by computer
Nathan Lewis Burch, 25, of Rutherford County
Attempted statutory rape of a child under 15
Attempted statutory sex offense with a child under 15
Indecent liberties with child
Solicitation of a minor by computer
Michael Glenn Lowe 29, of Hamilton County TN
Attempted statutory rape of a child under 15
Indecent liberties with child
Solicitation of a minor by computer
Carrying a concealed weapon
Jon Thomas Beall Jr., 32, of Knox County TN
Attempted first degree statutory rape
Attempted statutory sex offense with a child under 15
Indecent liberties with a child
Solicitation of a minor by computer
Joshua Phillip Phelps, 28, of Stanly County NC
Attempted statutory rape of a child under 15
Attempted statutory sex offense with child 15
Indecent liberties with a child
Solicitation of a minor by computer
In a media release, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office stated that 'Sheriff Farmer and the dedicated team at the Jackson County Sheriff's Office are committed to protecting children and ensuring the safety of all Jackson County citizens. We are grateful for the strong relationships we have built at the local, state, and federal levels, which played a crucial role in the success of this operation.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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