Gary Allen Hutchinson
The Honorable Athena F. Brooks, Superior Court Judge from Henderson County, imposed the sentence. Hutchinson entered guilty pleas to larceny by removal of anti-theft device, larceny by use of security doors and possession of a dangerous weapon in prison.
His sentence length was enhanced by prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine in McDowell County (September 2020), larceny in Catawba County (July 2018) and breaking & entering in Burke County (August 2013).
On March 7, 2025, Hutchinson was seen on video surveillance breaking the anti-theft case on a set of earbuds with his foot at Wal Mart, taking them out, concealing them and leaving without paying. He previously had been banned from the store.
Less than a week later, March 13, 2025, he went to the same store and removed a laptop from its secure display. He also attempted to break into cases containing jewelry and watches. He then took several hoodies, placed them in shopping bags and went out of the store with all the items.
In each instance the person seen on video matches Hutchinson’s description, is seen leaving in the same vehicle, and an identifying tattoo is clearly visible on his hand.
On February 23, 2026, while Hutchinson was being moved from one location to another in the Catawba County Detention Center, deputies discovered that he had concealed a piece of metal 4 inches in length.
Hutchinson told officers that he did not know where the metal came from and found it in his cell. However, video monitoring showed him removing the metal plate from a pay phone he used and placing it in his shirt pocket.
Investigation of the crimes was handled by the Hickory Police Department and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Story: Rob Eastwod-WHKY