Catalytic converters stolen from church vans; two suspects arrested

STINKING CREEK, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County Sheriff’s Capt. John Long investigated a theft and vandalism case at the Stanfield Church of God. The theft/vandalism was reported on July 2 that two catalytic converters had been stolen.

On July 6, CCSO Lt. Travis Bostic found Branden Sutton on Bruce Gap Rd, Caryville. Sutton was driving a grey Mitsubishi Eclipse with a Kentucky license tag. Bostic asked to search the vehicle and found an electric saw and a vehicle part normally located on the exhaust near the catalytic converter, according to a report from the sheriff’s department.

Long reviewed video evidence from the church that showed a grey Mitsubishi Eclipse park beside the church parsonage. A female and a shirtless male got out of the vehicle and went to the parsonage and knocked on the door. Eventually the duo left the parsonage and parked at the front of the church parking lot. The male got out of the car, put on a shirt and a mask then got into the passenger seat of the Mitsubishi. The female then drove to the side of the church and the male got out of the car and approached the church vans. The video then showed the male getting under the church vans. Eventually he got back into the car and the duo left the church property.

On July 14, Sutton and his accomplice Rebecca Jean Rose were arrested at the Executive Inn in Rocky Top.

Suttton, 43, 145 Bell Young Rd, Williamsburg, KYwais charged with theft of property $1,000-$2,499 and vandalism over $1,000.

Rebecca Jean Rose, 42, 668 Ridge Rd, Caryville was charged with theft of property $1,000-$2,499 and vandalism over $1,000. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/22/2021-6AM)