A Hickory man pleads guilty to numerous drug offences and is sentenced to prison.

34-year-old Derek Scott Frenceschini will serve up to 10 years for cocaine and meth possession, fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle and possession of counterfeit instruments.

His sentence is enhanced due to his habitual felon status with prior drug convictions in 2004 and 2008, and obtaining property by false pretenses in 2011.

In May 2014, Frenceschini was in possession of meth when he was picked up on arrest orders.

Later that year in August, he led officers on a chase through Hickory into Burke County before crashing his vehicle.

He was found to be in possession of cocaine, meth, and counterfeit currency on several occasions in 2015; and in possession of meth in February of this year.

Thieves reportedly stole 10-thousand-dollars worth of jewelry during a home invasion in Marion.

Nikia Meadows of Jacktown Road told deputies someone went through the underpinning of her mobile home, and cut a hole in the bedroom floor to access her residence.

It’s also alleged thieves took a 2004 Acura from the property as well.

Two women were caught on video surveillance at the site of the break-in.

Anyone with information about the incident can call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237.

A Black Mountain man who broke into a Marion car wash and led deputies on a two-county chase was sentenced to a prison term in McDowell County Superior Court.

27-year-old Teddy Justin Rathbone will serve at least our years after being found guilty of habitual breaking and entering.

He was also found guilty of fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle.

Sheriff’s reports state Rathbone was involved in a domestic dispute at Walmart in Marion in February.

When officers arrived, Rathbone reportedly led them on a chase from Marion to Black Mountain, where he was apprehended.

An officer recognized Rathbone’s vehicle as one possibly used by a suspect at a break-in just days prior at a Marion car wash.

A search of the vehicle turned up burglary tools and some of the stolen property from the car wash.

McDowell County Sheriff’s Office investigators are on the lookout for a stolen motorcycle and a person of interest in the case.

Glenn Gardner of 5904 US 70 Old Fort reported his 2014 Suzuki motorcycle with NC tag 6E3204 was taken from his residence.

At the time the bike was stolen, 45-year-old Crystal Anne Searle Silvernale was living at the residence.

She is wanted for questioning in the case.

Anyone with information about Silvernale’s whereabouts or the location of the stolen bike should call the McDowell Sheriff’s Office at 652-2237 or McDowell Crime Stoppers at 652-CRIME.

With Crime Stoppers, your identity remains anonymous and you could receive a cash reward.