Asheville Man Sentenced to Five Years for Armed Grocery Store Robbery

News Summary

An Asheville man, Tracee Lakiem Green, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being involved in an armed robbery at a local grocery store. The incident, which took place on July 28, 2024, involved two masked men demanding money at gunpoint. After police quickly responded and linked Green to the crime, he faced severe legal repercussions. His case has sparked discussions about crime, community safety, and rehabilitation in Asheville.

Asheville Man Sentenced to Five Years for Armed Grocery Store Robbery

In an unsettling turn of events, an Asheville man has received a five-year prison sentence after his involvement in a shocking armed robbery at a local grocery store. The case surrounding Tracee Lakiem Green, who is just 33 years old, sheds light on a brazen crime that took place in the heart of the community.

The Incident

On the evening of July 28, 2024, around 9 p.m., the Ingles grocery store on Merrimon Avenue became the scene of a terrifying robbery. Two masked men, visibly armed with guns, approached two employees outside the store and demanded money. It was a situation that left not only the workers but also customers who might have been nearby feeling quite shaken.

Suspects Flee the Scene

Once the demands were made, the suspects quickly fled the scene in a dark-colored Subaru. But, as it turned out, their getaway wouldn’t last long. Asheville police, who were quick to respond, managed to locate the suspects soon after the robbery. The investigation took a promising turn when victims started pointing out that one of the suspects bore a striking resemblance to a former employee. This led the police to an important identification.

Link to a Former Employee

It wasn’t long before the investigation tied Tracee Lakiem Green directly to the crime. Staff from Ingles confirmed that Green had indeed worked at the store in the past, which raised eyebrows and put him squarely in the spotlight of the ongoing investigation.

Legal Repercussions

Facing the serious charge of robbery with a dangerous weapon, Green found himself in court, where Judge Jacqueline Grant presided over the case. After considering all the evidence, the judge handed down a sentence of 60 to 84 months in prison, which equates to a minimum of 5 years and could stretch up to 7 years depending on various factors during his incarceration.

Additional Restrictions

A significant part of the sentencing included a permanent no-contact order. This order prohibits Green from ever entering the Ingles location on Merrimon Avenue again, adding an extra layer of accountability to his sentence.

Future Plans Behind Bars

While serving time, Green will also be required to participate in educational and vocational services, giving him a chance to turn his life around while in prison. This is not only a measure for personal improvement but also a way to prepare him for reintegration into society once he serves his time.

Pretrial Confinement Credit

Interestingly, Green has received credit for 217 days of pretrial confinement, which will be counted toward his time in prison. This is a standard practice in the legal system designed to recognize the time already served while awaiting trial.

Community Reflects

Asheville residents are left to process the events surrounding this robbery as they reflect on the safety of their local businesses and the importance of community vigilance. The incident serves as a reminder that crime can occur anywhere, and it’s vital for residents to engage in keeping their neighborhoods safe.

Ultimately, this incident has sparked discussions not just about crime but also about rehabilitation and the paths individuals can take when faced with dire circumstances. The hope remains that through proper guidance and education, some might find their way back to a positive trajectory, avoiding the path of crime entirely.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Former Employee Robbed Ingles Grocery Store
• WSPA: Man Sentenced in Armed Robbery at WNC Grocery Store
• Blue Ridge Now: Asheville Bank Robberies
• Wikipedia: Armed Robbery
• Google Search: Asheville Grocery Store Robbery