Raymond Mintz Receives Nearly 15-Year Sentence for Armed Robberies in Asheville

Raymond Mintz Sentenced for Armed Robberies in Asheville

In a shocking turn of events in Asheville, North Carolina, a local man has been sentenced to nearly 15 years in federal prison for his involvement in two brazen armed robberies. This case has garnered attention due to the serious nature of the crimes and the potential impact on local businesses and community safety.

The First Robbery

Let’s rewind to November 10, 2022, when 32-year-old Raymond Tracy Mintz, III, walked into the Vape and Brew store looking anything but inconspicuous. Decked out in a beanie and black sweatpants adorned with a small Tasmanian Devil character, Mintz meant business. He had a bandana over his face and gloves on his hands, clearly trying to conceal his identity. But it was the firearm he wielded that struck fear into the hearts of the two employees working that day.

According to court documents, Mintz brandished the firearm at the store clerks, threatening to shoot them if they didn’t comply. The situation escalated quickly as he made his way behind the counter and walked away with over $1,600 cash before disappearing into the streets. Scary, isn’t it?

The Arrest

Just two days later, Mintz was arrested at a local hotel where officers located him, piecing together the events of that fateful night. It was apparent that he wasn’t going to get away with it for long. The police swiftly acted, putting an end to his short-lived crime spree.

The Second Robbery

The saga didn’t end there for Mintz. Fast forward to December 1, 2023, and he struck again — this time at the Curve View Express. Court documents reveal a similar scenario: Mintz entered the store with a black handgun that had an extended magazine. His demeanor was consistent with his previous robbery; he threatened the two store clerks before making off with $1,604 stuffed into a black grocery-style bag.

However, it seemed that karma had a way of catching up with him. Law enforcement officers spotted Mintz shortly after the heist, and not only did they recover the stolen cash, but they also found the firearm he had used during the robbery. This led to his immediate arrest once again!

Plea and Sentencing

Once in court, Mintz faced serious charges. On August 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, which tackles robbery through interstate commerce, along with charges of possessing and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. This plea cemented his fate.

Recently, it was announced that Mintz has received a sentence of 178 months — that’s nearly 15 years — in federal prison. After serving his time, he’ll be on supervised release for an additional five years, which means he’ll be under watch to ensure he doesn’t continue down the wrong path.

Conclusion

This case serves as not just a legal matter, but a reminder of the challenges local communities face in ensuring safety. Residents are left wondering about the long-term impacts on business and the ongoing efforts to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. It’s a serious situation that nobody wants to see repeated.

For now, Raymond Mintz is in federal custody, awaiting transfer to a specific facility where he will begin his sentence. It’s a sobering scenario for everyone involved.