Two Arrested for Break-ins, Drugs

By Joel Frady

Stinnett Arrested After Break-ins
Two West Jefferson businesses were broken into the night of Monday, April 6, leading to the arrest of a West

Jefferson man on Tuesday morning. West Jefferson Police Chief Brian Grogan said that Radio Hill Automobile Sales and Abby's Market, both located on North Jefferson Avenue, were broken into at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Monday night.

Radio Hill Auto Sales owner Grant Price said that he found out about the break-ins at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning and contacted the police.

"He kicked the door in," Price said of the incident. "The door was full panes of glass, so he just kicked some of them out and stepped through the door." Price said that the burglar took money and keys to some of the cars in his lot. According to Grogan, the following items were missing from Abby's Market: a cash register, beer, cigarettes and money. Some of the money was stolen from a church missionary donation container.

Jonathan Lee Stinnett, 22, of West Jefferson, was arrested at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, after an investigation led by Captain Jason Finney and Lt. Detective Chris Welch of the WJPD.

Stinnett was charged with two counts of felonious breaking and entering; two counts of felonious larceny after breaking and entering; and two counts of misdemeanor damage to property.

Grogan said that Stinnett may still face more charges in the case.

Price said that this was the second time in recent months that the police department has helped him out following the break-ins at his Radio Hill Storage business in November and December 2008.

"I'm just proud of the police department," said Price. "They've done a great job."

Stinnett made his first appearance at the Ashe County Courthouse in Jefferson on Thursday, April 9, and was released on a $1,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday, May 21.

Roten Arrested on Drug Charges
The Ashe County Sheriff's Department announced that Billy James Roten, 33, of North Wilkesboro was arrested on Sunday afternoon for several drug-related offenses.

The arrest occurred after Sgt. James Grogan responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in the Johnson Hollow area of Old N.C. Highway 16.

Sgt. Grogan then called K-9 Officer Chris Roten to the scene, and a search by the deputies and the dog resulted in Billy Roten's arrest.

Roten has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance (marijuana).

Roten is currently being held in the Ashe County Jail under a $10,000 secured bond. He will make his first court appearance on Thursday, April 16.