Henderson County Church Breaking & Entering

Property Crimes Detectives with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating a series of breaking, entering and larcenies at churches throughout Henderson County. Since April 6, 2011 a total of 11 churches have reported that suspects not known to them have broken into their places of worship and stolen various items. These items have included sound equipment, musical instruments, electronic equipment, computer equipment, televisions and currency.

Early this morning property crimes detectives arrested 23-year-old Charles William Pearson and charged him in connection with four of the 11 churches that were victimized. Pearson is charged with breaking, entering and larceny from following churches:

• Zirconia Missionary Baptist Church
• Double Springs Baptist Church
• Mountain Valley Baptist Church
• Macedonia Baptist Church

Pearson has been charged with four felony counts of breaking and entering, four counts of felony larceny, three counts of felony possession of stolen property and one count of felony obtaining property by false pretenses. He is currently in the Henderson County detention facility under a $100,000.00 secured bond.

At the time of this release detectives are continuing the investigation and further charges against Pearson are expected. The investigation has also resulted in the discovery of additional suspects in these crimes. In the event there is additional charges against Pearson or additional suspects are arrested, an update to this release will be forwarded.