Joshua Rice

Joshua Aaron Rice, 31, entered a plea of guilty to Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon stemming from an armed confrontation at the Mast General Store in downtown Asheville.

On June 22, 2025, Asheville Police Department officers responded to an armed robbery call at the 15 Biltmore Avenue location. Store management reported that Rice had shoplifted merchandise and threatened an employee with a sheathed fixed blade knife when confronted. Following a coordinated search of the area, officers located Rice at Aston Park wearing clothing matching the description provided by witnesses. During a search incident to arrest, law enforcement recovered the stolen merchandise, the knife attached to Rice’s backpack, and drug paraphernalia.

After pleading guilty in Superior Court, Rice received an active prison term of 67 -90 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction.

Rickey Sewell

Rickey James Sewell, 41, was sentenced following his guilty plea in Superior Court to Attempted Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon in the Commission of a Crime, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

The charges originate from a traffic stop conducted on February 8, 2026, by deputies with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office after Sewell operated a vehicle without headlights. Upon stopping the vehicle, deputies discovered active outstanding warrants for Sewell’s arrest. A subsequent search yielded six grams of fentanyl, $484.00 in currency, and a stolen 9mm pistol located underneath the driver’s seat of his Jeep.

For these offenses, Sewell received an active sentence of 50 to 72 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction. The investigation was conducted by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.

Effective Dec. 1, 2025, Session Law 2025-71 established enhanced felony punishment levels for previously convicted felons who possess firearms for use during the commission of new crimes. These provisions impose increased active prison terms for convicted felons of possessing a firearm during a new offense, with even greater penalties for brandishing or actually discharging a weapon during a crime.

The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office is committed to aggressively utilizing these enhanced statutory provisions with local law enforcement to hold armed offenders fully accountable and protect public safety.

###

Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant sentenced Wells to serve 51 to 74 months of active prison time in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for the felony robbery. For the firearm offense, Wells received a consecutive 30-day suspended sentence and was placed on 12 months of supervised probation upon his release from prison.

The robbery charge originated from an August 14, 2025, incident and was investigated by the Asheville Police Department after responding to an armed robbery and carjacking near Avalon Park Circle. The victim reported being held at gunpoint by Wells and a co-defendant after arriving at a residence to meet an acquaintance. The perpetrators forced the victim into his own vehicle before dropping him off several miles away unharmed and fleeing with the vehicle and personal property. Officers subsequently located stolen items at a residence on Reed Street and took Wells into custody.

The firearm charge stemmed from a separate October 19, 2025, shooting investigation also conducted by APD. Prosecutors noted that victims present in the vehicle during the October incident were initially reluctant to come forward and identify the male occupant accompanying them.

Wells had no prior criminal convictions at the time of sentencing.

“Every resident deserves to feel safe on their streets and in their homes, and we are committed to working with city of Asheville law enforcement to hold accountable those who use firearms to threaten public safety,” District Attorney Todd Williams said.

###

Aiken entered guilty pleas to two counts of trafficking in cocaine and to attaining habitual felon status. Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant accepted the plea, ordering Aiken to serve an active sentence of 87 to 117 months within the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction with a mandatory $50,000 fine.

Because of his extensive criminal record, Aiken was prosecuted as an habitual felon. Under North Carolina’s Habitual Felon Act (N.C.G.S. § 14-7.1), an individual convicted of a fourth felony - following three prior sequential, non-overlapping felony convictions - must be sentenced at an elevated felony status.

Aiken’s prior criminal history includes multiple felony convictions in Buncombe County dating back to 1988, as well as a previous habitual felon conviction. In September 1988, Aiken was convicted of felony second-degree sexual offense and felony breaking and entering and larceny. In May 1994, he was again convicted of felony receiving stolen goods. In November 2004, Aiken was convicted of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance. He was again convicted in 2007 for attaining habitual felon status and failing to register as a sex offender, which resulted in a sentence of 9 to 11 years in state prison.

Judge Grant ordered Aiken to begin serving his sentence immediately within the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Law enforcement officers were consulted on the terms of the sentence and expressed satisfaction with the disposition.

###

Recent reporting by the Asheville Citizen-Times in two articles covering charges alleging exposure of a child to controlled substances stated that the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office “dismissed the charge after an inquiry from the Citizen Times.” To correct any impression that the District Attorney’s Office dismissed charges because of a media inquiry or was unduly influenced by that inquiry, the Office issues the following statement:

The District Attorney’s Office takes immediate action to dismiss legally defective charges as soon as we learn of them. In North Carolina, law enforcement officers initiate criminal charges directly through magistrates without prior screening or review by the District Attorney’s Office. As a result, prosecutors generally become aware of pending warrants only when files are placed on upcoming court dockets.

A media inquiry recently provided the Office with initial notice that a law enforcement agency had sworn out warrants alleging felony exposure of a child to a controlled substance and misdemeanor child abuse based on allegations involving an unborn fetus. Upon learning of the warrant prior to its scheduled court date, this Office conducted the appropriate legal review.

Under N.C.G.S. § 14-23.1 and N.C.G.S. § 14-23.7, North Carolina law explicitly prohibits the prosecution of a pregnant woman for alleged criminal offenses against her own unborn child. Because North Carolina statutes do not permit criminal charges against a mother under these circumstances, the State lacked legal jurisdiction and probable cause to proceed.

The decision to dismiss this charge was governed strictly by North Carolina statutory law and prosecutorial duty. Media inquiries may serve to provide notice of unreviewed police filings, but are otherwise irrelevant to the legal analysis and play no role in the decision to dismiss charges.

###

Following the entry of the guilty plea, a Superior Court Judge sentenced Lopez-Hernandez to an active prison term of 38 to 58 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

The charges stem from a targeted shooting where the defendant fired multiple rounds into the victim’s vehicle and home. The residence was occupied by six family members at the time, endangering everyone inside. Law enforcement quickly recovered scene evidence and vehicle data linking Lopez-Hernandez to the attack. After confessing to officers, Lopez-Hernandez was initially charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling and possession of a stolen firearm. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the stolen firearm charge was dismissed.

Pursuant to victim rights laws the victims were consulted, were present in court for entry of plea, and approved of the sentence in this case.

“Violent acts that terrorize families in their own homes will be met with justice as prescribed by law,” District Attorney Todd Williams said. “This active prison sentence reflects our prosecutors’ commitment to holding individuals accountable for gun violence and ensuring public safety.”

The case was investigated by Asheville Police Department officers who secured critical physical evidence and witness testimony, ensuring a swift resolution to the community threat.

###

This incident involved officers of the Asheville Police Department (APD) responding to a call regarding a subject armed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers encountered Curtis Kavanaugh Zane, 27, who advanced aggressively while holding an 8-inch kitchen knife above his head. The act of aggressively advancing on law enforcement officers in their official and lawful capacities while wielding a deadly weapon constitutes, at minimum, an assault with a deadly weapon upon a law enforcement officer under G.S. 14-34.2.

Under North Carolina law (G.S. 14-51.3), a person is justified in using deadly force if they reasonably believe such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person. At the time officers discharged their weapons, they were confronted with an immediate, lethal threat posed by an armed, aggressively moving suspect in close proximity. Both involved-officers stated that they were in fear and perceived a deadly threat presented by the knife wielded by Mr. Zane. They noted that due to the short distance and Mr. Zane’s rapid advance, less-lethal force options such as pepper spray or a Taser were highly unlikely to pose an effective defense to the threat presented. Specifically, a Taser would have required both probes to make solid contact to achieve neuromuscular incapacitation - an outcome that was improbable given the speed and distance of the threat. Both officers maintained that deadly force was the only measure capable of neutralizing the immediate threat presented.

Due to the imminent danger posed by Mr. Zane’s direct charge toward officers and his active, continued display and possession of the knife, the evidence overwhelmingly confirms that APD Officers L.W. and T.S. held a reasonable and lawful belief that deadly force was necessary to protect their lives and the lives of those in the immediate vicinity.

Immediately following the discharge of weapons, APD Officer A.M. assumed control of the scene to secure the weapon and render life-saving aid. Officer A.M. carefully secured the knife and provided critical medical intervention by packing Mr. Zane’s wounds. Although Mr. Zane sustained severe injuries, he remained conscious and capable of limited communication while receiving on-scene medical care prior to transfer for professional medical treatment.

Based on the review of the physical and visual evidence alongside the completed SBI officer interviews, I have determined that the officers’ use of deadly force against Mr. Zane was justified under North Carolina law. Consequently, the NC SBI is advised to not initiate charges against any officer involved in this shooting.

###

The charges stem from an incident on March 29, 2025, at the Hillcrest Apartments in Asheville. Officers with the Asheville Police Department responded to reports of a shooting near the 100 block of Atkinson Street, where they located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the hip. The victim was subsequently transported to Mission Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation determined that the victim was waiting at a local bus stop when Foster discharged multiple rounds from a vehicle before fleeing the scene.

In addition to his sentence in North Carolina, Foster faces a possible significant sentence in Tennessee, where he is subject to an outstanding probation violation that carries a potential additional sentence of 10 years.

The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to the thorough investigation and prosecution of violent gun crimes in our community to ensure public safety.

###

Allen was sentenced to a term of 70 to 93 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction and ordered to pay a $500,000 fine.

The conviction stems from an investigation by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. On March 14, 2025, deputies initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Allen following reports of drug activity. Upon being instructed to exit the vehicle, Allen discarded a bag containing narcotics on the ground. During a subsequent search, Allen informed deputies that he was concealing additional narcotics on his person.

Evidence recovered during the stop included 6.78 grams of fentanyl and 3.06 grams of cocaine.

###

Angel Blanding

Angel Blanding, 19, entered a plea of guilty to three counts of felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill. These charges stemmed from an incident on March 8, 2026, at the Buncombe County Detention Facility sally port, where Blanding discharged a firearm while in custody, causing damage to law enforcement vehicles. Blanding was sentenced to the top of the presumptive sentencing range, receiving a term of 25 to 42 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction.

Bryan Coleman

Bryan George Coleman, 51, of Swannanoa, was sentenced following his plea to nine felony charges, which were consolidated for judgment into one count of First-Degree Burglary. This conviction follows an extensive investigation into a multi-day crime spree spanning February 3–5, 2026, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office’s IGRANT task force. Coleman was sentenced to the top of the presumptive range, receiving a term of 97 to 129 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction.

Decario Davis

Decario Davis, 29, identified as the final defendant connected to the “I-40 Jeep burglar” investigation, entered felony Breaking and Entering pleas resulting in three consecutive active judgments. Davis was sentenced to a total term of 47 to 84 months in the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction. This sentencing marks the conclusion of a significant multi-jurisdictional investigation into organized vehicle thefts on the I-40 corridor.

“The resolution of these cases is a testament to the dedicated work of our local law enforcement partners,” said District Attorney Todd Williams. “By securing these sentences, we hold accountable those who threaten our community through violence and criminal activity.”

###

Under North Carolina’s Habitual Felon Act when a defendant attains habitual felon status, the law mandates that the principal felony offense be status-enhanced and sentenced at a higher felony class level under the state’s structured sentencing grid.

Gillespie’s prior record history included past convictions for Habitual Felon, Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, Armed Robbery and other felony convictions.

The active prison sentence issued today resolves charges stemming from a July 3, 2025, incident where Gillespie fled law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before intentionally ramming a Buncombe County Sheriff’s deputy’s patrol cruiser head-on. The District Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the specialized DWI Task Force for their thorough investigation, which ensured this habitual offender was removed from the community.

###

The Honorable Alan Z. Thornburg presided over the hearing and imposed the maximum active sentence available within the presumptive legal range for the offense.

In addition to the active prison term, Judge Thornburg ordered that McCullough comply with lifetime sex offender registration requirements and submit to lifetime satellite-based monitoring (SBM) upon his release from state custody.

The conviction stems from a sexual assault incident occurring on March 11, 2025 at a public park in North Asheville. Prosecutors with the District Attorney’s Office consulted extensively with the victim's family throughout the presentation of the case. The victim’s family appeared in court to request that the maximum sentence be imposed and expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

In respect of the minor victim’s privacy and to prevent further trauma, the District Attorney’s Office will release no additional details regarding the facts of the offense.

###

Based on my personal review of this matter with Agent Carter including review of body worn camera video and video obtained from within the business, I have determined that no violation of North Carolina law occurred. Consequently, criminal charges should not be initiated against any officer involved in this defensive use of force. Any and all property seized by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI) in this matter may be disposed of pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 15.

This incident began when Asheville Police Department officers responded around 9:45 p.m. on April 21 to a business located at 1987 Hendersonville Road following a report of an individual armed with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers approached the entrance of the business, at which point the suspect escalated the encounter by discharging a firearm at the officers through a glass door. The act of firing a weapon directly at law enforcement officers performing their duties constitutes, at minimum, assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer under G.S. 14-34.5, a Class E felony. The suspect’s gunfire shattered the glass door, causing fragments to strike one officer and inflicting non-life-threatening physical injuries. Under North Carolina law (G.S. 14-51.3), a person is justified in using deadly force if they reasonably believe such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person. At the time officers discharged their weapons, they were under active gunfire from an armed suspect within close proximity, which had already resulted in property damage and injury to an officer. Due to the immediate and lethal threat posed by the suspect’s aggressive discharge of a firearm in their direction and due to his active and continued possession of the firearm, the officers had a reasonable belief that deadly force was necessary to protect both their lives and the lives of others. Immediately after firing their weapons and securing safe access to the interior of the business, officers rendered medical assistance and transported the suspect, later identified as Mr. James Jones, to Mission Hospital for medical treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries on April 22.

Based on a review of the documented evidence provided by the NC SBI, and considering the officers’ belief that deadly force was reasonably necessary to prevent imminent death or serious physical injury, I have determined that the officers’ use of deadly force against Mr. Jones was justified under North Carolina law. While it is tragic that Mr. Jones lost his life in this manner, it is fortunate that the immediate threat posed by him was neutralized without additional loss of life to bystanders and officers.

###

Bruce Ellison McCall, 65, pleaded guilty June, 2026 in Buncombe County Superior Court to five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The charges stem from offenses committed between December 2023 and February 2026.

Superior Court Judge Jaqueline Grant ordered McCall to serve an active prison sentence of 26 to 92 months. He was granted credit for 92 days spent in confinement prior to the judgment.

The investigation into McCall began after the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators found that McCall possessed and duplicated files depicting child sex crimes involving victims between the ages of 2 and 10 years old.

As part of his sentence, McCall must undergo a Sex Offender Specific Evaluation and comply with all recommended treatment while in custody. He was also ordered to pay $1,275.50 in total court fees.

###

The sentence follows Burleson’s adjudication as a habitual felon under North Carolina law. A defendant qualifies as a habitual felon if they are charged with a new felony and have previously been convicted of three separate felonies. The prior offenses must be non-overlapping, meaning each offense must have been committed after the defendant was convicted of the earlier felony conviction, and the offenses must have occurred at different times. Habitual felon status triggers an enhanced sentencing level, elevating the punishment for an underlying felony to a higher felony class.

Burleson’s prior felony convictions included burglary, forgery and uttering of forged instruments, and possession of counterfeit instruments.

The conviction stems from an incident on February 26, 2025, at the CVS pharmacy located at 121 Monticello Road in Weaverville. Weaverville Police Department officers responded to the scene of a reported robbery at 5:48 p.m., discovering that the suspect had fled. Witnesses told investigators that Burleson brandished a 6-inch hunting knife and demanded narcotics while stating that staff had 60 seconds to comply. No injuries were reported among staff or customers at the pharmacy and many substances were later recovered by law enforcement.

“This Office takes violent, recidivist crime very seriously and thanks and appreciates the solid invesigatory work of all involved officers which proved critical to secure a substantial criminal punishment for these crimes,” District Attorney Todd Williams said.

Pursuant to the N.C. Victims Rights Act, the victims were advised of the disposition and approved Burleson’s sentence.

###

Brooks was sentenced to 60 to 84 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction for the robbery conviction, and a concurrent term of 12 to 14 months for the firearm offense. He also admitted to and activated outstanding probation violations.

Brooks was convicted in February 2025 of felony Common Law Robbery and under North Carolina law was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On August 15, 2025, Brooks and a co-conspirator lured a victim to an Asheville residence using a woman to draw the victim into the home. Once inside, Brooks and his co-conspirator robbed the victim at gunpoint, forced him into his own vehicle, and drove several miles before releasing him. Brooks and the coconspirator then drove off in the victim's vehicle. Officers with the Asheville Police Department responded to reports of the armed robbery and carjacking near Avalon Park Circle shortly after 6:00 p.m.

Through swift investigative work, APD detectives traced the victim's stolen iPhone to a residence on Reed Street, where they took Brooks and a co-defendant into custody without incident. The victim's vehicle was also subsequently recovered.

Pursuant to North Carolina Victims Rights Act, the victim’s family was notified and approved of the plea.

###

Ray was sentenced to an active term of 33 to 52 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. As a result of his conviction for Indecent Liberties with a Minor, Ray is required to register as a sex offender upon his release and refrain from contact with the minor victim for life.

The charges stem from an investigation that began in early October 2025. On Oct. 16, 2025, agents with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office executed two search warrants at Ray’s residence. The searches yielded 14 grams of Methadone, methamphetamine, and two handguns. Ray, a convicted felon with previous robbery and drug convictions, was prohibited by law from possessing firearms.

Ray had initially been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Indecent Liberties with a Child following an earlier phase of the investigation in October 2025.

“This case involved distinct categories of harm: the trafficking of drugs into our community and the abuse of a child,” said District Attorney Williams, “for that Ray will go to prison and register as a sex offender.”

###

Judge Trosch sentenced Holmes to an active term of 70 to 93 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and imposed a fine of $500,000.

The charges stem from an enforcement operation conducted on April 30, 2025, by agents with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department. While attempting to conduct a vehicle stop of the car Holmes was driving, agents observed Holmes throw a bag of fentanyl out of the vehicle window. Upon completing the stop, agents recovered additional fentanyl from the passenger side of the vehicle — where Holmes had discarded it — and conducted a search of his person. During that search, agents discovered a sock tied inside Holmes’s pants containing $1,500 in cash.

“Fentanyl continues to devastate our community, and this office is committed to holding accountable those who traffic this deadly drug to Buncombe County,” said District Attorney Todd M. Williams. “I am grateful to the law enforcement whose diligent work brought this case to a successful conclusion.”

Bobby Holmes

###

Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant presided.

Tressler was arrested Feb. 17, 2026, following Asheville Police Department operations targeting repeated community complaints about illegal drug activity in the Short Michigan Avenue area of West Asheville. Officers made initial contact with Tressler at approximately 10:45 p.m. and found her in possession of 29 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine and a large amount of cash.

Tressler was initially charged by law enforcement with three counts of felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, felony Level III trafficking of fentanyl by possession, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

At sentencing today, Tressler’s prior criminal history indicated out-of-state felony convictions, including manufacturing methamphetamine, forgery, theft, and other drug offenses.

Judge Grant sentenced Tressler to a minimum of 90 months to a maximum of 120 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and ordered her to pay a $500,000 fine.

“Fentanyl is devastating our communities, and those who traffic it bear direct responsibility for the harm it causes,” said District Attorney Todd M. Williams. “I appreciate the Asheville Police Department’s commitment to investigating serious drug crimes and to the safety of every Asheville neighborhood.”

###

Dariel Gustavo Macuixtle, 38, a Mexican national from Veracruz Mexico residing in North Carolina on a visa, entered guilty pleas for one count of second-degree murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Superior Court Judge Alan Thornburg sentenced Macuixtle to an active prison term of 192 to 243 months.

The charges arise from an incident involving Macuixtle and several family members. According to investigators, the group was consuming alcohol at their residence when Macuixtle’s cousins began taunting him, calling him “weak” and “lazy.” In the ensuing altercation, Macuixtle stabbed two men. One victim died from his injuries, while the second victim sustained serious lacerations to his arm.

The child exploitation charges were filed after investigators obtained a search warrant for Macuixtle’s mobile phone. During a digital forensic examination, authorities discovered two images that were identified within the Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) database.

Macuixtle was held pretrial on an ICE detainer and will be deported after he completes service of the prison term.

###

Roblero received the sentence pursuant to a plea arrangement aimed at avoiding further trauma to the victim and the victim’s family, who requested the resolution of the case and expressed satisfaction with the prison term.

Roblero has been held in custody since his arrest on March 30, 2023, on a secured bond and an active immigration hold. Following the completion of his prison sentence, Roblero will be turned over to federal immigration authorities for deportation.

In respect of the victim's request for privacy, no further information will be released at this time.

###