Ashe Mountain Times

The Ashe County Sheriff's office has announced eight arrests originating from separate cases that were investigated during the past week. 

Israel Boone Church, 34, of Lansing, was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 28 and charged with six counts of obtaining property by false pretense, according to the ACSO.

According to Capt. Carolyn Gentry, Church's charges originated from a case involving Marilyn Grukemeyer of West Jefferson. Gentry said Church allegedly received money to buy building material and to perform contracted work, which he never completed. Church is out on a $15,000 bond. He is also facing charges in Watauga County.

In unrelated case, 29-year-old Rebecca Sawyer of West Jefferson was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 31 on charges of misdemeanor larceny. Sawyer allegedly took a white gold wedding ring set belonging to Yyonne Moore of Crumpler. She was released on an unsecured bond. 

In a separate case, 35-year-old Jason Thomas Johnson of West Jefferson was arrested on charges of misdemeanor larceny. 

Gentry said Johnson allegedly stole a yellow gold wedding ring from Barbara Turner of Crumpler. He has been released on an unsecured bond.

The West Jefferson Police Department also has warrants for felony obtaining property by false pretense, according to ACSO news release. 

Vinson Blevins, 39, of West Jefferson was arrested on Oct. 24 on charges of larceny. 

He allegedly took tabletops belonging to Robert Mark Blevins of West Jefferson. 

Gentry said Blevins has been released on an unsecured bond. The property was recovered. 

Originating from a separate case, 33-year-old John Derrick McCulloch of Millers Creek was charged with obtaining property by false pretense and larceny after breaking and entering. 

Gentry said McCulloch's charges came from his alleged involvement in two separate break-ins. 

McCulloch is also facing charges in other counties, said Gentry.

He is currently incarcerated on a $100,000 secured bond. 

Arrest warrants for 23-year-old Austin Dustin Graybeal of West Jefferson have been drawn on charges of breaking, entering and larceny. 

The alleged larceny occurred in Crumpler. Similar warrants have also been processed for 36-year-old Randy Brian Shelton of West Jefferson. 

Shelton has evaded arrest at this time, said Gentry. 

Todd Justin Morrin, 38, of Creston was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 31 on charges of breaking and entering and larceny at a Creston residence. 

He is being held on a $5,000 bond.