Exclusive: Rutherfordton Man Charged with 20+ Felonies Involving Minor

A Rutherfordton man active in the regional bull riding community is being held without bail in Polk County on a series of felony sex charges involving a minor he allegedly contacted through online social media, according to court documents.

Randy Wayne Whitener Jr., of NC Highway 108 in Rutherfordton, was first arrested on September 10, 2025. Since that initial arrest, two additional cases have been filed, bringing the total to more than 20 felony charges across three separate dockets.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not issued a public statement regarding the case. Reporting on the charges has been verified through publicly available court filings and warrants obtained by WCAB News.

Allegations Detailed in Court Documents

Detective Audrey Staggs of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office filed the warrants. They describe online communication, explicit photographs, and alleged in-person encounters between Whitener and the minor.

One warrant states: “The defendant, Randy Wayne Whitener Jr., did unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously solicit by computer, and by electronic mail and Internet, a child who was less than 16 years old and at least five years younger than the defendant, to commit an unlawful sex act.”

Another cites indecent liberties: “The defendant did take and attempt to take immoral, improper, and indecent liberties with the child for the purpose of arousing and gratifying sexual desire.”

A separate charge involves dissemination of obscenity: “The defendant did unlawfully and willfully disseminate to a minor material harmful to minors, to wit: obscene photographs.”

The victim is identified only by initials in court records due to age.

Arrest Timeline

Whitener was initially booked on September 10 on "solicitation of a child, indecent liberties, and a related sexual offense". He posted $36,000 bond at that time.

On September 17, two additional sets of charges were filed, adding multiple counts of indecent liberties and dissemination of obscene material. Following these filings, his bond was revoked under the Pretrial Integrity Act, and he remains held at the Polk County Detention Center without bail.

Court Proceedings

Whitener’s first appearance hearings have been rescheduled multiple times. It is now scheduled for today, Sept. 19. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2025, and another court date is listed for October 29, 2025, before Judge Gene B. Johnson in Polk District Court. Attorney Joel Schechet has entered a notice of appearance to represent him.

Community and Public Awareness

Whitener is a familiar figure in the region’s rodeo and bull riding community, having competed at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented on the case or provided a press release.

All reporting is based on official court documents and verified records. Court filings in Whitener’s case are available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts system. 

All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Readers with additional information about this or other criminal cases are encouraged to email tips to Annie@WCABNews.com.