Sheriff’s office: Man mistakenly reported as fugitive due to eCourts clerical error
By Kelly Doty
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — Citing an eCourts clerical error, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office says a man previously believed to have been mistakenly released from custody was, in fact, not a fugitive or improperly released from its detention center.
The sheriff’s office provided an update on Corey Howell in a Dec. 5 press release, stating that, after a thorough review by both the Transylvania and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Offices, Howell was not a fugitive on the run and had not been mistakenly released from the Buncombe County Detention Center.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, the Buncombe County office reported that Howell, who faces domestic violence and assault charges, was released on Nov. 30 despite a hold issued by the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
In Friday’s update, the sheriff’s office said Transylvania County authorities had informed Buncombe County that Howell had appeared in Transylvania County court on Dec. 4 to address his pending cases. Buncombe County authorities said an eCourt clerical error had occurred relating to the assault on a female charge, which should have been recalled before Howell’s initial arrest.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office says its previous social media post reporting Howell had been mistakenly released will be archived.
Read the sheriff’s office’s full statement below: BCSO Update: Corey Howell Not Mistakenly Released from BCDF
Buncombe County, NC (December 5, 2025) BCSO has spoken with Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) regarding Corey Howell and at this time there are no active holds or warrants related to these charges.
Upon a thorough review from both agencies, it has been determined that Mr. Howell is not a fugitive on the run and was not mistakenly released. His bond for all his valid pending Transylvania charges resulted in a written promise issued by a Buncombe County Magistrate.
TCSO has informed BCSO that Mr. Howell appeared in Transylvania Court Thursday, December 4th to address his pending cases and it was determined that an eCourts clerical error occurred relating to the Assault on a Female charge which should’ve been recalled prior to Mr. Howell being initially apprehended.
BCSO would like to thank TCSO for being in constant communication with us to handle what initially appeared as mistaken release. At this time, Transylvania Court will address Mr. Howell’s pending charges through the court system. Due to the situation being resolved, BCSO will now archive our social media post as it is incorrect.
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