A Morganton man was sentenced to 58-82 months in prison following his guilty plea to possession of stolen goods and his status as an habitual felon. 36 year old Christopher Earl Spencer entered the plea Tuesday, during Burke County Superior Court. In this case, the victim reported a break-in at his home in August 2013. TV's, jewelry and a weed eater had been stolen. Some of the property was located at a local pawn shop with a pawn ticket that had Spencer's name on it. Spencer was extradited from Virginia in October 2015 to faces the charges, but also had felony convictions from Buncombe County for breaking and entering and larceny, forgery, and possession of stolen goods that enhanced his sentence as an habitual felon.

A Marion man faces various charges stemming from a December house fire in McDowell County. 25 year old Jesse Lee Wilson has been charged with felony second-degree arson and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon, in connection with a fire that destroyed a two-story home. Reports state fire investigators were alerted to the suspicious fire on Crisp Drive in Marion December 27th. Officials report Wilson was acquainted with the home's occupant and the two had recent disagreements. Wilson, reportedly, was in possession of brass knuckles when arrested.

Earlier this month, Derek Brittain began working as a fire inspector with the Hickory Fire Department. Brittain comes to the department certified as a Level II firefighter through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission and an EMT-B through Office of Emergency Medical Services. For the past 18 years, Brittain has served as a member of the George Hildebrand Fire Department, where he serves as Assistant Chief.