Andrew Debellot Sentenced to Prison as an Armed Habitual Felon
He will serve a term of more than 12 years in custody
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – April 3, 2025 – Andrew Steve Debellott, 47 of Asheville, has been sentenced to 145-186 months of active imprisonment by Judge Jacqueline Grant in Superior Court, stemming from an incident on October 17, 2022.
The sentencing follows Debellott’s convictions after a week-long jury trial for robbery with a dangerous weapon and for attaning the status of armed habitual felon, with an additional suspended sentence of 36 months for driving while impaired.
On the morning of October 17, 2022, officers with the Asheville Police Department responded to a report of a person with a gun on State Street in West Asheville. Officers subsequently learned that the suspect’s vehicle fled towards Hanover Street. Upon arrival in the area of Hanover Street, officers encountered a motor vehicle collision.
Witnesses reported that Debellott had brandished a pistol at the driver of the other vehicle and demanded money. Civilians intervened to stop any further violence with one wrestling the firearm away from Debellott.
Further investigation revealed that Debellott was intoxicated while driving.
The firearm used in the assault was later recovered.
Debellott’s criminal history dating back to 1999 includes prior convictions, both in Buncombe County and out of county, for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
North Carolina law states that any person who has been convicted of one or more prior firearm‑related felony offenses attains the status of armed habitual felon and shall receive a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than 120 months.
Assistant District Attorney Kyle Sherard presented the case to the jury for the State of North Carolina.
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