On July 25th, 2022, a short chase led to the arrest of Matthew Reed Burnett, 35, of Green Mountain, NC. Mr. Burnett was wanted for felony probation violation. Burnett had been convicted on May 11th, 2022 in Yancey County Superior Court where he received Felony Probation. Burnett was also being sought for outstanding warrants in Henderson County and had pending charges in Transylvania County.
An ongoing investigation by detectives of the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office to locate Burnett led to his apprehension. Burnett was located on the premises of a local service station. Burnett was able to flee from the parking area which led to a short vehicle pursuit. Upon the conclusion, Burnett was taken into custody. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 16 oz of methamphetamine, a firearm, and stolen property.
Burnett was transported to the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office where he was charged with (2) Counts Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, Misdemeanor Cancel/Revoke/Suspend Tag, Misdemeanor Vehicle No Insurance, Felony Probation Violation, Felony Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling, and Flee/Elude arrest with a Motor Vehicle. Burnett was also served with the outstanding warrants from Henderson County. Those charges were Misdemeanor Tampering with Vehicle, Misdemeanor Cyberstalking, and Felony Stalking.
Burnett is being held in the Yancey County Detention Center under a $171,300 bond. Sheriff Shane Hilliard would like to commend his deputies and detectives for their hard work in stopping the sale and distribution of methamphetamine
