Candler Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Receives 7.5 Years Sentence

Local Resident Convicted of Selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamines

Asheville, N.C.

A local Asheville man, Cory Tre Ballew, received a sentence of at least 7.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug charges. This conclusion stems from two separate incidents of drug trafficking involving opium/fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Buncombe County region.

Details of Charges and Circumstances

Ballew, 31, admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking activities on Monday, February 19, 2024, leading to his imprisonment. District Attorney Todd Williams from Buncombe County confirmed the man’s guilty plea in an official press statement.

In the statement, Williams mentioned a key incident on December 8, 2022, which led to Ballew’s arrest. North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Special Agents, while on duty in the 1100 block of Brevard Road, witnessed a suspected exchange of drugs. A thorough search of Ballew resulted in law enforcement finding 15 grams of fentanyl and over 35 grams of methamphetamine.

Ballew’s illegal activities didn’t end there. Subsequent events unfolded on March 11, 2023, where Ballew was found attempting escape from law enforcement in a high-speed chase along US-19 in a dark-colored sedan. Upon surrendering to the officers, traces of his illicit activities were uncovered. A path marked by a discarded shoe and a bag of white powder — later identified as 16.31 grams of fentanyl — revealing his narcotics involvement.

The Verdict and Sentence

The severity of Ballew’s charges commanded a strict legal response. Judge Alan Thornburg sentenced Ballew to a minimum of 90-120 months in prison and levied a hefty fine of $100,000. The sentence reflects the court’s commitment to enforcing the law and curbing illegal drug activities.

Continued Efforts for Safe Communities

This case underscores the continued efforts by local law enforcement agencies and the legal system to combat drug trafficking. It serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of illicit drug activities in Asheville and encourages community members to contribute to a safer environment by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.

For HERE News Network, this is HERE News, reporting.