Asheville, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Jessica Breanne Awalt, 34, was arrested in Asheville after multiple charges, including financial card theft and drug possession. The arrest occurred following reports of stolen cards from a residential storage unit. Security footage helped police identify her as a suspect, and she was found with the stolen cards and crack cocaine. The investigation is ongoing, with more charges possible as police seek public assistance.
Asheville – Jessica Breanne Awalt, a 34-year-old resident, was arrested on Thursday, September 4, by the Asheville Police Department after being charged with multiple counts of financial card theft and drug possession. The arrest followed an incident in the River Arts District where financial cards were reported stolen from a residential storage unit.
Police were alerted to the theft after the victim reported that a safe containing financial cards and important documents had been stolen from their storage unit on Roberts Street. Subsequent investigation revealed that several of the stolen cards had been used at local businesses shortly after the theft took place.
Security footage obtained by the police showed a woman using one of the stolen financial cards at a convenience store located on Depot Street. Officers were able to identify Awalt as the suspect based on the matching description and located her shortly afterward in the 100 block of Tunnel Road.
Upon her arrest, Awalt was found with the stolen financial cards, as well as crack cocaine. The arrest was conducted without any incidents. In addition to the charges related to the financial card theft, Awalt was also served with a warrant for a felony probation violation.
Following her arrest, Awalt was taken to the Buncombe County Detention Facility, where she is currently being held. Her bond has been set at $20,000, secured by a magistrate. The police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further charges may be forthcoming as more information is gathered.
The Asheville Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them or provide anonymous tips. They are actively seeking further details that might assist in the ongoing investigation of the case.
Background Context
Financial card theft has become a significant issue in many urban areas, with criminals often targeting unsuspecting victims through break-ins and other illicit methods. The Asheville Police Department has implemented various measures in recent years to combat such crimes, including improving surveillance and increasing community outreach efforts. The River Arts District is known for its vibrant arts community but has also seen a rise in crime, prompting police to be vigilant in their patrols and response to reported incidents.
Authorities urge the public to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity or potential thefts to help prevent these types of crimes from occurring in the community.
FAQ
What was Jessica Awalt arrested for?
Jessica Awalt was arrested for multiple counts of financial card theft and possession of crack cocaine.
When and where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 4, in the River Arts District of Asheville.
What led to the police investigation?
The investigation was initiated following a report of a break-in at a residential storage unit where financial cards were stolen.
What evidence connected Awalt to the crime?
Security footage showed Awalt using one of the stolen financial cards, which helped law enforcement identify and locate her shortly after.
What are the current actions being taken by the police?
The Asheville Police Department is continuing its investigation and is seeking further information from the public regarding the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | River Arts District, Asheville |
| Date of Incident | September 4 |
| Charges | Nearly a dozen counts of financial card theft, possession of crack cocaine, felony probation violation |
| Bond Amount | $20,000 |
| Status of Investigation | Ongoing with potential for more charges |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Police Charge Trio in Convenience Store Assault
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Woman Charged with Theft
- WLOS: Woman Charged in River Arts District
- 828 News Now: Woman Arrested on Financial Card Theft
- WYFF: Stolen Cards Investigation
- 828 News Now: Traffic Alert in Asheville
- Wikipedia: Identity Theft
- Google Search: Financial Card Theft
- Google Scholar: Identity Theft Crimes
- Google News: Asheville Crime
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.
