A Catawba, Virginia woman has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a fatal fentanyl overdose. Ashley Blankenship, 38, was found to be the source of supply for the deceased user.
According to court documents, in the early morning hours of October 19, 2021, a regular user of opioids was found unresponsive by law enforcement. Following the user’s death from a fentanyl overdose, further investigation by law enforcement revealed Blankenship to be the deceased user’s source of supply.
Officers made a series of controlled drug purchases from Blankenship in October and November of 2021, culminating in the execution of a search warrant at Blankenship’s residence. During that search, authorities recovered a large quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as six firearms, including two rifles.
Blankenship pleaded guilty last week to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with assistance from the Roanoke Valley Regional Drug Unit, the Roanoke County Police Department, the Craig County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police.
Blankenship faces a potential sentence of 15 to 17 years in prison pursuant to a written plea agreement with the United States. A United States District Court Judge will determine the final sentence after consideration of the federal sentencing guidelines and the sentencing factors set forth by Congress.
Ashley Blankenship, 38, pleaded guilty to the following federal charges: possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of one or more firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The crime occurred on October 19, 2021, in Roanoke, Virginia.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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