AHOSKIE – Two local men face charges following their arrests in unrelated breaking and entering cases here this week.

Kenneth Eugene Futrell, 22, of 311 North Catherine Street, Ahoskie, was arrested April 9 for allegedly breaking into Ahoskie Elementary School. The B&E was reported to Ahoskie Police upon the arrival of school personnel that morning.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said items found on the school grounds aided APD K-9 officer “Rico” and his handler, Officer Clifton Whitby, in tracking a possible suspect to Pinegate Apartments, located across the street from the school. Futrell was located inside one of the apartments.

Futrell was charged with felony burglary, and criminal damage to property, a misdemeanor. He was jailed under a $40,000 secured bond and given an April 11 court date.

Fitzhugh commended his officers – Whitby and Rico, Patrolman James Powell, and Detective Sgt. Stephen White – for their work on the case.

One day later (April 10), Ahoskie officers were summoned to 508 Gerock Street shortly before 1 p.m. where a witness reported an individual entering the Ahoskie Church of God in Christ through a window.

Fitzhugh said the officers arrived and secured the building, finding 25-year-old Tommy Lee White Jr. of 128 Sheriff Road, Ahoskie, inside. White was arrested and charged with breaking and entering a place of worship, larceny, and possession of burglary tools, all felonies. He was jailed under a $140,000 secured bond and made his first court appearance on Friday.

APD Patrolman Jeffrey Woodard, Major James Asbell, Det. Sgt. White, and Officer Whitby and Rico were commended by Fitzhugh for a job well done.