(Michigan City, IN) - Charges have been filed against the alleged seller of fentanyl used in fatal overdoses recently in Michigan City.

 

Ashley Coleman, 38, is charged with two counts of dealing resulting in death, both Level 1 felonies and Level 3 felony dealing in a narcotic drug.

 

According to the La Porte County Drug Task Force, a drug trafficking organization being run in Michigan City was identified during an investigation. As the investigation further developed, two fatal overdoses happened on February 2 and February 9.

 

Rhonda Hurley was found dead at 232 S. Porter St. while James Cobb was discovered unconscious at 2508 Chickadee Dr. and pronounced dead at the hospital, according to court documents.

 

As a result, the investigation intensified and Coleman quickly developed as the suspected dealer of the fentanyl tied to the deaths, according to the task force.

 

Michigan City Police Chief Marty Corley vowed to continue efforts to hold drug dealers profiting from such tragedies accountable.

 

“These drugs do not just affect individuals struggling with addiction. They destroy lives, fracture families and put entire communities at risk,” he said.

 

Coleman could face anywhere from a 20 to 40 year sentence for each of the deaths.