Man charged with breaking into Asheville church twice

ASHEVILLE – A Candler man is facing felony charges after police say he broke into an Asheville church twice and stole thousands in cash and electronics.

Neil Whitney Aho, 40, of Baker Avenue, was charged Tuesday with two counts of breaking and entering a place of worship and two counts of larceny, according to warrants at the Buncombe County magistrate’s office.

He’s accused of breaking into the Center for Spiritual Living at 2 Science of Mind Way on March 10 and March 16, according to warrants. In the first break-in, he’s accused of stealing $2,000 in cash and an iPad valued at $450, according to warrants.

In the second break-in, he’s accused of stealing four laptops, a television and $50 in cash, with a total value of $4,200, according to warrants.

Asheville police investigated.

Aho also is facing previous unrelated charges. He is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $140,000 secured bond.