NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A 19-year-old woman has been charged with death by distribution in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose.
Leah Blankenship was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 13, by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and has been charged with death by distribution, selling and delivering fentanyl and possession with intent to sell and deliver fentanyl.
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According to an arrest warrant, Blankenship allegedly delivered fentanyl to the victim on Saturday, Jan. 10. The ingestion of the controlled substance caused the victim’s death.
Blankenship received a $250,000 secured bond and has requested a court-appointed attorney. She is currently being held at the New Hanover County Detention Facility.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 29 at 9 a.m. in the New Hanover County Courthouse, courtroom 302.
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