JACKSONVILLE, Texas - On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of CR 1814 in Jacksonville, Texas.
Deputies were initially attempting to serve arrest warrants on Charles Phifer, 42, of Jacksonville, when they detected the odor of marijuana coming from the residence. Based on that observation, deputies established probable cause and obtained a search warrant, which was issued by Jonathan Richey.
During the search, deputies located methamphetamine, marijuana, multiple firearms, and a suspected pipe bomb. Due to the potential danger, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene and safely removed the suspected explosive device.
While searching the property, deputies also encountered Joshua Watson, who was found to have an active warrant for assault causing bodily injury. Watson was taken into custody without incident.
Charles Phifer was not at the residence at the time the warrant was executed. Authorities say he remains wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office on two failure-to-appear charges and is expected to face additional charges stemming from evidence recovered during the search.
The investigation remains ongoing.
