Lincoln County man arrested for over a dozen church break-ins

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.