Drug and child abuse charges filed
By Gabby Hudson

Joseph Jerome Hamilton

Multiple Agencies from both Cherokee and Clay Counties arrested two Hayesville residents on drug and child abuse charges.

Joseph Jerome Hamilton,35, and Raquel Annquinette Hamilton, 33, of 150 Forsythia Lane, Hayesville were taken into custody on Friday, June 20 after law enforcement agencies investigation revealed a large amount of marijuana both packaged for ingestion and growing plants.

The search was a result of officers conducting an investigation into information received about the illicit criminal activity at the residence.

Cherokee County Sheriff Investigator Tom Frye said that items seized from the residence included miscellaneous documents and paraphernalia connected with an ongoing investigation that involved both Cherokee and Clay County Sheriffs offices.

After intensive investigation officers also concluded that acts of child abuse had occurred.

The warrant states that Joseph Hamilton willfully and feloniously did intentionally commit and assault that resulted in serious physical injury consisting of a deep laceration approximately two inches long below the left eye, and two deep puncture wounds to the top left shoulder to a child under the age of 16.

Raquel A. Hamilton

The warrant for Raquel Hamilton states that she willfully and feloniously did intentionally commit and assault that resulted in serious physical injury of one burn scar on each forearm on a child under the age of 16.

Frye also said that other charges are expected and that the ongoing investigation will produce evidence for additional charges against both suspects.

Charges filled against Joseph Hamilton are Felony Manufacturing of Schedule VI controlled substance and two counts of felony child abuse-serious injury. Bond is set at $100,000 for Cherokee County due to the felony charges and $10,000 for Clay County .

Charges filled against Raquel Hamilton are Felony manufacturing of Schedule VI controlled substance and felony child abuseserious injury and assault with a deadly weapon. Bond has been set for $60,000 for Cherokee County and $10,000 for Clay County.

Trial dates had not set as of press time.