News

Five face numerous burglary-related felonies

Austin Evenson Bower

By Lightning Reports, Published: July 28, 2023

On May 30, 2023, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a residential breaking and entering in the Hutch Mountain Road area of Henderson County.

The incident involved the theft of valuable property, including three vehicles, one utility trailer, numerous firearms, and various other items. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office Property Crimes Unit, recognized for its expertise, was immediately deployed to conduct a comprehensive investigation, gather evidence, and conduct interviews.
Through an intensive and diligent investigation, the Property Crimes Unit successfully recovered a substantial portion of the stolen property, including two vehicles and twenty-two firearms. Additionally, the detectives were able to identify and locate five individuals connected to this incident, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.
The following individuals have been formally charged in connection with the crimes related to this incident:

• Austin Evenson Bower, 34, is charged with felony counts of breaking or enter of a building (x4), conspiracy(x2), breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny of motor vehicle, larceny after break/enter (x3), larceny of firearm (x14), possession of stolen firearm (x15), obtaining property by false pretense, larceny and possession of stolen goods/property.
• SearcyDakota Alex Searcy, 27, is charged with felony counts of breaking or enter of a building (x2), larceny after break/enter, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny of motor vehicle, possession of stolen motor vehicle, conspiracy (x4), obtaining property by false pretense, possession of stolen firearm (x3) and attempting to obtain property by false pretense
• Cheyenne Dakota Pressley, 27, is charged with felony counts of conspiracy, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny of motor vehicle, possession of stolen motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretense, possession of stolen firearm and possession of methamphetamine.
• PressleyNathan Christopher Hiles, 49 is charged with felony counts of breaking or enter of a building, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny of motor vehicle, possession of stolen motor vehicle, conspiracy, possession of stolen firearm.

Detectives also obtained the warrants charging Douglas Ricky Harris, 49, of Buncombe County, with felony counts of breaking or enter of a building, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, larceny of motor vehicle, possession of stolen motor vehicle and conspiracy.
HilesHarris is presently wanted by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on the warrants. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 828.697.4911 or use the “Submit A Tip” on the Sheriff’s Office Mobile App.