Robbinsville, North Carolina Mayor Shaun Larry Adams was arrested on Monday, facing a series of felony drug charges following a traffic stop and subsequent search of his residence. Authorities allege that cocaine was discovered during the traffic stop, and methamphetamine was later found at his home, leading to a significant legal challenge for the small town's leader. In the wake of the arrest, Mayor Adams, 46, has requested and been granted a three-month leave of absence from his mayoral duties.
"No one is above the law. It does not matter who you are or what position you hold, if there is probable cause that a crime has been committed, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office will investigate and take the appropriate enforcement action. We remain committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially, and equally for everyone." — Russell Moody, Graham County Sheriff
The investigation that led to Mayor Adams' arrest began when a Graham County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle cross the center line. Mayor Adams, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was allegedly found in possession of cocaine, a concealed firearm, and drug paraphernalia. The driver of the vehicle, Tanya Dawn Everett, 46, of Maryville, Tennessee, was also taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and cited for driving with a revoked license, as reported by The News & Observer.
Following the initial traffic stop and discovery, investigators secured a search warrant for Mayor Adams' residence. The execution of this warrant, according to authorities, uncovered additional narcotics, specifically 42.1 grams of methamphetamine. This discovery escalated the severity of the charges against Adams, leading to allegations of drug trafficking.
In total, Mayor Adams faces six felony charges: possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, trafficking in methamphetamine, and two counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances. He also faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly possessing a concealed firearm and drug paraphernalia. The gravity of these charges suggests a serious breach of public trust, particularly for an elected official in a close-knit community.
Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody addressed the situation, emphasizing the impartial application of the law. "No one is above the law. It does not matter who you are or what position you hold, if there is probable cause that a crime has been committed, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office will investigate and take the appropriate enforcement action," Moody stated, according to WLOS. He further affirmed the commitment of his office, adding, "We remain committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially, and equally for everyone.” This statement underscores the principle that public office does not grant immunity from legal accountability.
Despite the serious allegations, Mayor Adams attended a Robbinsville Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday. During the meeting, he denied the charges, asserting his innocence. He also suggested that the arrests were connected to what he described as ongoing tensions between himself and the sheriff's office. This is not the first time Adams has publicly voiced such concerns; he previously accused Sheriff Moody of mistreatment during an earlier dispute, an allegation Moody denied, stating he had merely escorted a disruptive individual from the sheriff’s office.
Following his arrest, Mayor Adams was booked into the Graham County Jail. He was subsequently released after posting bond, which was later set at a secured bond of $100,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 10. During his three-month leave of absence, Mayor Pro Tem Jacky Ayers will assume the responsibilities of the mayoral office, ensuring continuity in the town's governance.
Shaun Larry Adams was first elected mayor of Robbinsville in 2021 and secured re-election in 2025. Before his tenure as mayor, he served as a member of the town’s Board of Aldermen. While his current political affiliation could not be independently verified for this report, Resist the Mainstream confirmed that his most recent mayoral race was officially nonpartisan. However, election records from 2016 indicate that he previously identified as a Republican candidate in a political contest.
This unfolding legal case has drawn considerable attention within Robbinsville, a small town with a population of fewer than 600 residents. The community now awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings, which will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the town's political landscape and public perception of its leadership. The situation highlights the challenges faced by local governments when elected officials are confronted with serious criminal charges, underscoring the importance of both due process and public accountability.
