Graham County Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Hazardous Waste Littering

Defendant also convicted of assaulting officer and making threats

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 53-year-old Graham County, North Carolina man named Jeffery Charles Heid has pleaded guilty to felony littering of hazardous waste for throwing used needles on the ground in a local park. Heid also pleaded guilty to assaulting a law enforcement officer and communicating threats against another Graham County resident.

Why it matters

Improper disposal of medical waste like used needles poses serious public health and environmental risks, especially in public spaces. This case highlights the need for proper sharps disposal and the consequences for those who recklessly discard hazardous materials.

The details

On March 9, 2025, Heid was caught on video rifling through a sharps-disposal container and appearing to search for used needles that might still contain controlled substances or pharmaceuticals. He was sentenced to serve a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 20 months in state prison for the felony littering charge. Heid also received additional prison time for assaulting a detention officer in 2022 and threatening to kill another Graham County resident in 2024.

  • On March 9, 2025, Heid rifled through a sharps-disposal container and discarded used needles.
  • On Feb. 17, 2022, Heid assaulted a detention officer.
  • On Feb. 4, 2024, Heid threatened to kill another Graham County resident.

The players

Jeffery Charles Heid

A 53-year-old man from Robbinsville, Graham County, North Carolina who pleaded guilty to felony littering of hazardous waste, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and communicating threats.

Ashley Hornsby Welch

The District Attorney who announced Heid's guilty plea.

J. Thomas Davis

The Superior Court Judge who sentenced Heid.

David Moore

The Graham County Sheriff's Office Sergeant who handled the investigation.

Jessica Huskey

The Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the case.

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What they’re saying

“Improper disposal of medical waste like used needles poses serious public health and environmental risks, especially in public spaces.”

— Ashley Hornsby Welch, District Attorney (theonefeather.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine if Heid will be allowed to serve his sentences concurrently or if they will run consecutively.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of proper medical waste disposal and the consequences for those who recklessly endanger public health and safety. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to address hazardous littering in local communities.