Sheriff Kevin Bean announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with a series of residential break-ins across Caldwell County.
On October 5th, Caldwell County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Dusty Ray Whisenant, 37, and his wife Nikki Rae Whisenant, 37, both of the Patterson Community. The couple faces several charges including Breaking and Entering, Larceny after Breaking and Entering, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.
Investigators say the arrests followed an investigation that began in late September when they received a reported break-in in the Blue Creek Community. The investigation later expanded to Flemings Chapel Church Road in the Gamewell community, Pigtail Road in Patterson, and Roby Martin Road in Lenoir.
Detectives believe the Whisenants used a vehicle stolen from Buncombe County while committing several of the crimes.
At the time of the offenses, Mr. Whisenant was on parole and has now been additionally charged with a parole violation, for which he received no bond. Mrs. Whisenant is being held under secured bonds totaling more than $80,000.
Sheriff Kevin Bean praised the coordinated effort of his deputies and investigators:
“Our deputies and detectives worked tirelessly to connect these cases and bring those responsible to justice,” said Sheriff Bean. “We want our citizens to know we take property crimes seriously, and anyone who steals from our community will be held accountable.”
