ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A 44-year-old Asheville man was sentenced last week to more than 12 years in prison for drug trafficking, burglary, assault and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office.
Aaron Daniel Jones received a minimum sentence of 96 months (eight years) for trafficking opium or heroin. Additional consecutive sentences were handed down for felony breaking and entering, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Superior Court Judge Gary Gavenus presided over the sentencing.
Authorities said the sentencing followed a lengthy investigation by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office into Jones’ narcotics activity. On July 11, 2024, investigators observed Jones conducting two hand-to-hand drug deals and conducted a traffic stop. Deputies reportedly found 35 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, $1,790 in cash and other drug-related items in his vehicle. A search of his home uncovered additional drugs and more than $18,000 in cash.
Jones also pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and assault with a deadly weapon stemming from an Oct. 21, 2024, incident in which he was found inside an abandoned home on River Ridge. He was armed with a knife and allegedly threatened a private citizen, who managed to subdue him before police arrived. He received a 15- to 27-month sentence with a six-month split term, to be served after the trafficking sentence, followed by 30 months of supervised probation.
Jones also pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen vehicle related to a Dec. 17, 2023, incident involving a car stolen from Nissan from Hendersonville. He received another 15- to 27-month sentence and 30 months of supervised probation, also to be served consecutively.
In total, Jones faces 90 to 120 months for the trafficking conviction, plus an additional 30 to 54 months for the other charges. He was also fined $750,000.
“This significant sentence reflects our unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and other violent crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of our community,” District Attorney Todd Williams said.