On May 5, 2025, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with multiple agencies, conducted “Operation Up the Creek.” This operation was a multi-day Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement campaign.The planning and organization of this operation took several months to ensure its success. Over 45 law enforcement officers, including local, state, and federal investigators, were involved in the undercover operation. ICAC task forces are dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and developing effective responses to technology-facilitated crimes against children. This operation marked a significant first for Jackson County and would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. Detectives from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office spent months preparing for this initiative.
The operation resulted in six (6) arrests, and additional suspects may face charges, which will be disclosed at a later date. Some of these suspects may also face federal charges. 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.
Participating agencies included:
– Department of Homeland Security
– North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (Western District)
– North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation ICAC Task Force
– North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Information Sharing and Analysis Center
– Western Carolina University Police Department
– Huntersville Police Department
– Waynesville Police Department
– Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office
– Macon County Sheriff’s Office
– Franklin Police Department
– District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch NC43 Prosecutorial District
– United States Attorney’s Office Western District
– United States Secret Service
– North Carolina Forest Service
– Jackson County Emergency Management
– Jackson County 911 Communications Director
– Administrative Staff Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
– Harris EMS
Brandon Scott Severt 32, of Rowan County
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $300,000
Vincent John Lamonica 53, of Transylvania County
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $300,000
Nathan Lewis Burch 25, of Rutherford County
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $350,000
Michael Glenn Lowe 29, of Hamilton County TN
Charged with:
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
Carrying Concealed Weapon
He was given a secured bond of $300,000
Jon Thomas Beall Jr. 32, of Knox County TN
Attempted First Degree Statutory Rape
Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $500,000
Joshua Phillip Phelps 28, of Stanly County NC
Attempted Statutory Rape of Child under <=15
Attempted Statutory Sex Offense with Child <=15
Indecent Liberties with Child
Solicitation of a minor by Computer
He was given a secured bond of $500,000
