Asheville Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Felonies Including Assault on Officer, Looting After Hurricane Helene
He will spend at least 4 years in NC prisons
ASHEVILLE, NC – Dennis Gates Miller, 33, of Asheville, pleaded guilty today in Buncombe County Superior Court to multiple felony charges stemming from his arrest in the River Arts District following Hurricane Helene.
Miller entered guilty pleas to the following felony charges:
Habitual Breaking and Entering
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with Physical Injury
Looting
Breaking and Entering
Flee to Elude Arrest
The charges arose after Asheville Police Department officers apprehended Miller around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, 2024, while conducting a crime prevention circuit in the River Arts District (RAD). Miller was violating the city's 7:30 p.m. emergency curfew and was seen out and about in the RAD, an area significantly impacted by flooding from the French Broad River during Hurricane Helene. Evidence showed Miller was looting buildings in the disaster-affected area, including beer from the Marquee Asheville at 36 Foundy Street. When confronted by officers, Miller attempted to escape on a motorcycle that was later determined to be stolen.
"This office will vigorously prosecute anyone who exploits our community during its recovery from a natural disaster. Preying on residents when they are most traumatized and defenseless is unconscionable and we will hold criminal opportunists accountable," D.A. Todd Williams said.
As a result of Miller’s guilty pleas, visiting Superior Court Judge Gary Gavenus sentenced Miller to serve an active term of 48-80 months in the N.C. Department of Corrections.
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