One person arrested in connection to overdose death in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — A man has been arrested following the death of a 39-year-old man from a drug overdose in March.

Fredrick Bivens, 52, was charged with death by distribution on Saturday, June 28, and is being held on a $1 million bond.

On March 4, police responded to a call about an unresponsive person at a home on Broome Street in Monroe.

Officers found Jerry Deese suffering from a medical emergency.

Despite rapid intervention and lifesaving efforts, Deese was pronounced dead. His death was later ruled a drug overdose.

An extensive investigation led authorities to identify Bivens as the supplier of the drugs that caused Deese’s death. He was apprehended and is currently held at the Union County Detention Center.

“Let this case serve as a clear message: if you distribute deadly drugs in our community, you will be held accountable,” said Chief Rhett Bolen.

“My department remains fully committed to aggressively pursuing those who profit from narcotics and ensuring they face the consequences of their actions.”