Robbinsville, North Carolina, Mayor Shaun Larry Adams was arrested Monday on multiple felony drug charges after deputies said they found cocaine during a traffic stop and later discovered methamphetamine at his home, prompting the mayor to take a three-month leave of absence.
Adams, 46, faces six felony charges connected to allegations that include possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, trafficking in methamphetamine, and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances.
He also faces misdemeanor charges related to a concealed firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after a deputy conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle cross the center line.
Adams, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was allegedly found in possession of cocaine, a concealed firearm, and drug paraphernalia.
The driver, Tanya Dawn Everett, 46, of Maryville, Tennessee, was also arrested on an outstanding warrant and cited for driving with a revoked license, The News & Observer reported.
Following the traffic stop, investigators obtained a search warrant for Adams’ residence.
Authorities said the search uncovered additional narcotics, including 42.1 grams of methamphetamine, leading to additional felony charges.
Investigators also accused Adams of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances.
Graham County Sheriff Russell Moody said the investigation was handled the same way regardless of Adams’ position as an elected official.
“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 said, according to WLOS. “We remain committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially, and equally for everyone.”
Following the arrest, the Robbinsville Board of Aldermen approved Adams’ request for a three-month leave of absence from office.
During that time, Mayor Pro Tem Jacky Ayers will assume mayoral duties.
Adams attended the board meeting Tuesday and denied the allegations, saying he was not guilty of the charges.
He also claimed the arrests were connected to ongoing tensions between him and the sheriff’s office.
According to the Cherokee Scout, Adams previously accused Sheriff Moody of mistreatment during an earlier dispute. Moody denied the allegation, saying he escorted a disruptive individual from the sheriff’s office.
The mayor was booked into the Graham County Jail and released after posting bond. His bond was later set at $100,000 secured, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 10.
He was first elected mayor of Robbinsville in 2021 and won re-election in 2025 after previously serving as a member of the town’s Board of Aldermen.
Adams’ current political affiliation could not be independently verified.
However, Resist the Mainstream was able to confirm that his most recent mayoral race was listed as nonpartisan, although election records previously identified him as a Republican candidate in a 2016 political contest.
The case has drawn attention in Robbinsville, a town of fewer than 600 residents, as officials await the outcome of the legal proceedings.
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