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‘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.