Graham County STEP Operation Leads to Two Arrests and Multiple Violations in Short Enforcement Window

GRAHAM COUNTY, N.C. – A brief traffic enforcement operation conducted by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office on November 11, 2025, resulted in multiple violations and two arrests, according to officials.

Deputies were carrying out a Selective Traffic Enforcement Patrol (STEP) on Snowbird Road when the operation concluded early due to a scheduled shift change and mandatory CPR training. Despite lasting only about two hours, deputies made several traffic stops, issued six traffic violations, and arrested two individuals.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Corey Lee Mullinax was taken into custody on an outstanding order for arrest related to a probation violation. Deputies also arrested Leah Mandena Stewart on charges of resisting, obstructing, or delaying an officer; possession of drug paraphernalia; and altering, stealing, or destroying evidence.

A magistrate set Mullinax’s bond at $10,000 and Stewart’s at $7,500. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Brad Hoxit commended his team’s efforts, noting that even a short enforcement window can have a meaningful impact.

“Even in a limited window of time, our deputies demonstrated how focused and proactive enforcement can make a real difference,” Hoxit said. “These operations are about much more than citations — they’re about saving lives, building trust, and addressing the issues that impact our community every day.”

STEP operations are aimed primarily at deterring traffic violations and reducing crashes, but they also help deputies identify illegal drug activity, locate wanted individuals, and uncover other criminal conduct that threatens community safety, the sheriff’s office said.

The agency stated it remains committed to road safety and community protection through continued enforcement, training, and collaboration with local and state partners.