Alexander County Man Enters Plea, Gets Prison Time

An Alexander County man was sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison in an attempted kidnapping case. He also entered a guilty plea to drug charges in Iredell County and received prison time in that case.

31-year-old Johnathan Ray Cutler of Taylorsville received a sentence of 24 to 38 months in prison during a recent session of Alexander County Superior Court. He pleaded guilty pursuant to Alford to attempted second-degree kidnapping and assault on a female.
Alford plea is when a defendant maintains innocence while formally pleading guilty. The defendant acknowledges that the prosecution’s evidence would likely convince a jury or judge of their guilt, but doesn’t admit to committing the crime.

According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, the offenses occurred on June 18, 2024. Cutler was arrested on June 24 by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office.
Cutler also pleaded guilty in Iredell County Superior Court to possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine and felony maintaining a place for controlled substance and was sentenced to 12-24 months in prison plus 8-19 months in prison in that case.

According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Cutler’s projected release date is June 24, 2026. He is being held in the Tabor Correctional Institution in Tabor City.

Story: Rob Easstwood-WHKY