Asheville Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Gun Store Burglary

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In a shocking case of gun theft, Lyron Deshawn Greenlee, 35, of Asheville, was sentenced to 102 months in prison for his role in the burglary of Carolina Guns and Gear West, LLC, a Federal Firearms Licensee located at 3106 Sweeten Creek Road, in Asheville. According to court documents, Greenlee conspired with his co-defendants, Jesse Lynn Williams and Alexa Rae Bassillo, to organize and plan the burglary.

On January 7, 2022, Williams broke into the gun store and stole 33 firearms, while Greenlee and Bassillo served as lookouts or drivers during the burglary. After the burglary, Greenlee, Williams, and Bassillo traveled to Greenlee’s residence, where they divvied up the stolen firearms. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that Greenlee received eight of the stolen firearms, two of which Greenlee sold to his co-defendant, Bernard Eugene Carson, a prohibited person who is not permitted to own a firearm due to prior criminal convictions.

To date, law enforcement have recovered eight of the 33 stolen firearms. Greenlee pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from an FFL and aiding and abetting on April 25, 2022. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

Williams, Bassillo, and Carson have entered guilty pleas and are currently awaiting sentencing. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King thanked the ATF and APD for their investigation of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is handling the prosecution.

Greenlee’s sentence included 102 months in prison and three years under court supervision upon completion of his prison term. The case highlights the importance of enforcing gun laws and holding individuals accountable for their actions.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney King said, ‘The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed by Lyron Greenlee and his co-defendants.’ She added, ‘This case demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville to protecting the community and ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable.’

Defendant: Lyron Deshawn Greenlee

Criminal Charges: Theft of firearms from an FFL and aiding and abetting

City and State: Asheville, North Carolina

Exact Date: January 7, 2022 (burglary date), April 25, 2022 (guilty plea date)

Sentence or Outcome: 102 months in prison, three years under court supervision

Dollar Amounts: None

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