Murphy man charged in kidnapping, rape probe

Jonathan Ervin Kisselburg.
Jonathan Ervin Kisselburg.
photo Jonathan Ervin Kisselburg.

Cherokee County, N.C., authorities have charged a Murphy man in a rape and kidnapping case stemming from a July 2016 incident.

Jonathan Ervin Kisselburg, 32, is a registered sex offender, Sheriff Derrick Palmer states in a release.

On July 1 officials began an investigation into allegations that Kisselburg kidnapped and sexually assaulted an adult woman. Evidence was presented to the September grand jury which handed down indictments chargjng Kisselburg with first-degree kidnapping and second-degree forcible rape, Palmer said.

Kisselburg is being held on a $150,000 secure bond and has a date in Cherokee County Superior Court on Nov. 7.

Palmer said that because of the nature of the crime, no further information will be released.

"Again, we see the importance of the sex offender registry laws," Palmer said. "I am glad to see that our state has tightened up some loopholes."

Palmer said the public's help is vital for community safety. Anyone with information on this crime or any other can call the sheriff's office tip line at 828-837-1344 or email crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or dial 911.

Upcoming Events