YAWKEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Lincoln County man was arrested by members of the West Virginia State Police on Thursday for his involvement in multiple church break-ins over the past several months.
The West Virginia State Police report that, at approximately 4:00am on Thursday, August 8, 2024, Sheriff Gary Linville responded to a breaking and entering situation at the Sumerco Church of God in the Yawkey area.
Upon arriving at the scene, Sheriff Linville located a subject identified as Tanner Fugate – 25 years old of Hamlin, WV.
Later in the day on Thursday, West Virginia State Police Sergeant D.J. Miller and Sheriff Linville conducted a follow-up investigation with regard to multiple recent break-ins at local churches dating back to April 29, 2024.
Tanner Fugate has reportedly been linked to multiple breaking and entering situations at other churches including the following:
Trace Fork Baptist Church
Welcome Home United Baptist Church
Mildred Baptist Church
Peaceful Valley Church
Ethel Baptist Church
Harvey Creek United Baptist Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Harvey Creek United Baptist Church
Open Door Bible Church
Big Laurel Church
Ranger United Baptist Church
Zoar Baptist Church in Cabell County
Porterville Baptist
Upper Ten Mile United Baptist
Fugate has been charged with Breaking and Entering and was transported to the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville in lieu of bond.
Additional charges are expected to emerge according to authorities, and the investigation into the situation remains ongoing and active.
