Two Men Guilty Death by Distrubution in Rutherford County

Rutherford -- On February 24, 2025, two individuals pleaded guilty to Death By Distribution in Rutherford County Superior Court following

an extensive investigation.

On January 7, 2023, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to 486 US 221A Highway regarding an unresponsive individual in a parking lot.  Rutherford County EMS and Sandy Mush Fire Department came to the location and initiated life-saving efforts.  The victim, Jason Scott Bridges, was subsequently declared dead at Rutherford Regional Hospital.  An inquiry into his demise commenced promptly.

The cause of Bridges' death was identified as a narcotics overdose. After several months, two suspects were identified, and the case was submitted to a Grand Jury in Rutherford County on July 29, 2024, resulting in indictments.

On February 24, 2025, Richie Womick (63-year-old of Forest City, NC) plead guilty to N.C.G.S. 14-18.4 Death By Distribution.  He was sentenced to 71 – 98 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.  Womick was taken into custody after sentencing.

On February 24, 2025, Tray Jones (21- year-old of Ellenboro, NC) pleaded guilty to N.C.G.S. 14-84.4 Death by Distribution.  He was sentenced to 71-98 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

Image: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

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