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Criminal Investigations Division

This Department is headed by Captain Chris Lovelace. The initial complaints are taken by the Patrol Division. These cases are given to the Detective Division, they are reviewed and assigned by solvability and seriousness of the case to  Detectives. The Detectives are responsible for Evidence Collection, Crime Scene Processing, Search Warrants, Interviews and handling the case through Court. Each Detective carries an equal case load while also assisting others, when possible.  

Lieutenant JR Upton - Department Supervisor, Administrative Duties, Homicide, Unattended Deaths
828-287-6303
jim.upton@rutherfordcountync.gov
General Investigations Unit-Theft and Fraud
Detective Brandon Ellenburg
828-287-6400
brandon.ellenburg@rutherfordcountync.gov

Detective Paul Mitchell
828-287-6341
paul.mitchell@rutherfordcountync.gov

Detective Mason Jolley
828-287-6346
mason.jolley@rutherfordcountync.gov

Detective Andrew Weathers
828-287-6388
andrew.weathers@rutherfordcountync.gov

Violent Crimes Unit-Homicide, Overdose deaths, Serious Assaults, Missing Persons, ICAC, Kidnapping
Detective Andy Millard
828-287-6340
andy.millard@rutherfordcountync.gov

Detective Ryan Bailey
828-287-6783
ryan.bailey@rutherfordcountync.gov

Special Victims Unit-Homicide,Child/Adult Sex Crimes, Child Abductions, Elder Abuse
Detective Julie Greene
828-287-6046
julie.greene@rutherfordcountync.gov

Detective Adrienne Wallace
828-287-6069
adrienne.wallace@rutherfordcountync.gov

Digital Forensics-Cellphone, Computer Evidence  Extraction, etc.
Detective Zach Atkins
828-287-6243
zach.atkins@rutherfordcountync.gov

Sex Offender & Concealed Carry Permits
Detective Shane Ruppe -  Sex Offender Registry & Compliance,  Concealed Weapon Permits
828-287-1206
Shane.Ruppe@rutherfordcountync.gov

The Concealed Handgun Permits are being issued at the Sheriff's Office: 
 198 N. Washington St.  Rutherfordton, NC 28139.   Monday thru Friday 8:30am until 5:00 pm.
To qualify for a concealed handgun permit you must first complete a Concealed Handgun Permit Class.  After completion of this class you may apply for the permit.  
Concealed Carry Instructors, that our office is aware of:  Instructors
After completion of the course you should call, 828-287-1206 to schedule an appointment to bring in the application packet, $90.00 (cash) and Certificate of Completion; the Instructor will give this to you.  This appointment should take less than 30 minutes.

**As much as our office works to get Concealed Weapon Permits back quickly, there is a 90 working day time period or less to process and get New or Renewal Concealed Weapon Permits back to our office. Please plan accordingly when renewal date is approaching.