Asheville, August 10, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville Police Department is appealing to the public for assistance in finding two suspects, Brannan Stephen Nitchman and Jesse Nathaniel Herila, who have multiple outstanding warrants for shoplifting and related offenses. Nitchman, 33, faces five shoplifting warrants and has a long criminal history, while Herila, 41, is wanted for larceny and trespassing. Authorities emphasize that both suspects pose a risk to the community, urging anyone with information to contact them.
Asheville – The Asheville Police Department (APD) is seeking the public’s help in locating two suspects, Brannan Stephen Nitchman and Jesse Nathaniel Herila, who have open warrants for shoplifting and other charges. The authorities have indicated an urgent need to apprehend these individuals, as their criminal activities continue to pose a risk to the community.
Brannan Stephen Nitchman, 33 years old, is wanted on multiple charges, including five open warrants for shoplifting and two for felony larceny. Nitchman has an extensive criminal record, having been arrested 28 times and having 64 warrants since 2008. His most recent incident occurred on July 30, where he was involved in shoplifting, marking yet another entry into his long history of criminal behavior. Previous charges against Nitchman include serious offenses such as felony common law robbery, larceny after breaking and entering, second-degree trespass, felony obtain property by false pretense, felony uttering forged instruments, and felony possession of methamphetamine.
On the other hand, Jesse Nathaniel Herila, 41 years old, is also wanted for his involvement in criminal activities. He has two open warrants for charges related to larceny and second-degree trespassing stemming from an incident on August 1 at a retail business in south Asheville. Herila has been arrested 16 times on 25 warrants since 2005. His criminal history includes charges such as felony larceny, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver heroin, domestic violence protection order violation, and cruelty to animals.
Both individuals are currently subjects of ongoing investigations, and the APD has indicated that additional charges may be pending. The department is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Nitchman or Herila to reach out to them at (828) 252-1110. Community members also have the option to submit anonymous tips via the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Background Context
The Asheville Police Department often relies on community assistance to help locate wanted individuals. The department emphasizes the importance of public cooperation in enhancing safety and sustaining order within the community. This appeal for help in locating Nitchman and Herila underscores ongoing efforts to combat shoplifting and theft-related crimes that have been a recurring issue in the area.
Shoplifting not only affects retailers but can also contribute to higher prices for consumers as businesses pass the costs of theft on to shoppers. The APD’s focus on apprehending suspects helps to deter future crimes, ensuring a safer environment for both shoppers and businesses.
Conclusion
As the Asheville Police Department continues to address criminal activities in the area, the community’s involvement plays a crucial role in these efforts. Information leading to the apprehension of Nitchman and Herila can not only aid local law enforcement but also contribute to a more secure neighborhood.
FAQ
What charges are Brannan Stephen Nitchman and Jesse Nathaniel Herila wanted for?
Brannan Stephen Nitchman is wanted for multiple charges including shoplifting and felony larceny. Jesse Nathaniel Herila has open warrants for larceny and second-degree trespassing.
How many arrests have Nitchman and Herila had in the past?
Nitchman has been arrested 28 times on 64 warrants since 2008, while Herila has 16 arrests on 25 warrants since 2005.
How can the community help locate these suspects?
The community can assist by contacting the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110 or submitting anonymous tips through the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Key Features Chart
| Suspect Name | Age | Open Warrants | Total Arrests | Criminal Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brannan Stephen Nitchman | 33 | 5 for shoplifting, 2 for felony larceny | 28 on 64 warrants | Felony robbery, larceny, drug possession, and more |
| Jesse Nathaniel Herila | 41 | 2 for larceny, 2 for second-degree trespassing | 16 on 25 warrants | Felony larceny, drug possession, and more |
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
