Cherokee County warns of scams, directs public to legitimate fundraisers for fallen officer 

MURPHY, N.C (WDEF) — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is warning of potential scams related to the murder of one of their officers Monday.

Officer Francisco Flattes was killed in the line of duty on Monday.

Authorities say he was transporting inmate Kelvin Simmons to a medical appointment in Peachtree, North Carolina when Simmons escaped, stole a gun, and killed him.

Simmons is facing first degree murder charges in his death.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office says that no legitimate fundraisers for the Flattes family will contact you.

The Civic Federal Credit Union and Copper Basin Federal Credit Union are taking donations for the family at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office has shared two GoFundMes they say are legitimate.

There will also be a benefit day at Legend’s Steakhouse in Murphy on July 22-nd in which a portion of funds raised will go to the Flattes family, along with a raffle.

Officer Flattes was only 56 years old and is survived by a wife, children, and grandchildren.