Full Notification

Detective Billie Brown and Lt. Andy Manis of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Jose Manuel Sorta, 29, of East Tate Street in Marion, with five felony counts each of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering, two felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense and one misdemeanor count each of assault on a government official or employee, resisting a public officer and injury to real property.
Brown also charged Jorge Luis Rodriguez, 21, of East Tate Street in Marion, with two felony counts each of breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering.
Also charged is Karen Lizzet Andrade, 22, of East Tate Street in Marion, with felony obstruction of justice.
The detectives linked Sorta and Rodriguez to a string of jewelry thefts that began in the fall of last year.
-- On Dec. 6, Patsy Padgett reported that someone broke into her Airport Road home and stole more than $8,500 worth of jewelry and currency. Only Sorta was charged in this case.
-- Gary Dale, of Knollwood Drive in Marion, reported on March 13 that someone forced their way into his home and took $14,900 in jewelry and currency. Sorta was charged in this case.
-- Betty Washburn, of Coxes Creek Church Road in Marion, reported on March 15 that someone entered her residence and made off with $17,650 in jewelry, currency and clothing. Sorta was charged in this case.
-- On May 5, Jeff Ethridge, of Airport Road in Marion, reported the theft of $3,925 worth of items, including jewelry, currency and a firearm, from his house. Both Sorta and Rodriguez face charges in this case.
-- Delois Moyers, of Knollwood Drive in Marion, reported on May 21 that someone broke into her residence and removed $3,070 worth of jewelry. Both men were charged in this case.
Brown said the suspects and victims were not acquainted, and the men pawned the jewelry on several occasions in Buncombe County for approximately $16,500.
She added that, when deputies went to Sorta’s home during the investigation, Andrade, Sorta’s girlfriend, lied to them about who he was and his location.
They found Sorta hiding in a church near his home. He resisted arrest but was apprehended at that time.
Sorta was wanted by Maryland authorities and by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).