Asheville, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Erron Thomas Wolicki, a 43-year-old Asheville resident, received a 70-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges including fentanyl. Wolicki, who was fined $500,000, was apprehended during a police traffic stop where 21 grams of fentanyl were found in his system. The case highlights Buncombe County’s commitment to combatting the opioid crisis and serves as a warning against drug-related offenses.
Asheville, North Carolina – Local Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking
Erron Thomas Wolicki, a 43-year-old resident of Buncombe County, has been sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to drug trafficking. The sentencing took place in Buncombe County Superior Court where Wolicki faced serious allegations involving fentanyl and other opiates.
Judge Bill Stetzer issued the sentence of 70 months, with a possible extension up to 93 months, marking a significant legal response to drug trafficking activity in the region. Alongside the prison term, Wolicki has also been fined $500,000 as part of the court’s decision.
The charges against Wolicki stem from an incident on March 7, 2023, when police conducted surveillance in Asheville and recognized Wolicki’s involvement in a suspected drug transaction. During a routine traffic stop, he informed law enforcement that he had ingested drugs prior to being stopped. This self-report prompted authorities to immediately transport him to a local hospital for medical evaluation and subsequent treatment.
At the hospital, medical staff retrieved a notable 21 grams of fentanyl from his system, reinforcing the serious nature of his drug trafficking activities. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is notoriously potent and has contributed significantly to the ongoing opioid crisis across the United States.
Buncombe County’s Commitment to Combat Drug Crimes
The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, under the leadership of District Attorney Todd Williams, emphasizes a dedicated effort to prosecute drug trafficking, especially concerning dangerous opioids like fentanyl. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug-related threats to community safety.
The conviction of Wolicki is framed as an unequivocal message to deter others from engaging in similar drug trafficking activities that endanger the community. The District Attorney’s quick response reflects the broader initiative within the county to impose stringent penalties on those involved in distributing dangerous substances.
Understanding Fentanyl’s Impact
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin and morphine. Its illicit use has resulted in increasing overdose deaths across the nation. Law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to combat trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids to mitigate the public health crisis that often accompanies these drugs.
What’s Next for Wolicki?
Wolicki will begin serving his sentence immediately, undergoing a mandated term where he will be closely monitored. As part of the sentencing process, he will likely be enrolled in rehabilitation programs designed to address substance abuse issues, which is often a component of penal responsibilities for drug-related offenses.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Erron Thomas Wolicki not only underscores the legal consequences associated with drug trafficking but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in combating the opioid epidemic. As the legal system acts on such cases, community safety remains a priority.
FAQ
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What charges did Erron Wolicki plead guilty to?
Erron Wolicki pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking opium or heroin.
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What was the length of the prison sentence given to Wolicki?
Wolicki received a sentence of 70 months to a maximum of 93 months in state prison.
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How much was Wolicki fined?
Wolicki was fined $500,000 as part of his sentencing.
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What substance was recovered from Wolicki?
Authorities recovered 21 grams of fentanyl during his medical treatment.
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What is the significance of this case in Buncombe County?
This case acts as a deterrent message against drug trafficking in the community, particularly involving dangerous opioids like fentanyl.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Erron Thomas Wolicki, 43 years old |
| Charges | Two counts of trafficking opium or heroin |
| Prison Sentence | 70 to 93 months |
| Fine | $500,000 |
| Date of Incident | March 7, 2023 |
| Substance Recovered | 21 grams of fentanyl |
| Location | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Status of Case | Convicted and sentenced |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now
- WYFF 4
- WLOS
- MSN News
- WSPA
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- Google Search: Buncombe County drug trafficking
- Google Scholar: opioid crisis fentanyl
- Google News: drug trafficking Asheville
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.
