NORTH CAROLINA — A Kinston man is facing multiple charges, including death by distribution, after police say he provided fentanyl that led to a woman’s death.
According to the Kinston Police Department, officers responded April 8 to a home on Carey Road for a reported overdose. When they arrived, they found 28-year-old Andrea Grant unresponsive.
Emergency crews performed life-saving measures before Grant was airlifted to ECU Health, where she was placed on life support. Police said she was later taken off life support and died April 11.
During the investigation, detectives identified 31-year-old Michael Oats as the person responsible for providing the fentanyl, according to authorities.
Oats was taken into custody April 9 during a traffic stop. Police reported finding marijuana laced with fentanyl, marijuana, and a firearm in his possession.
Following Grant’s death, investigators obtained warrants charging Oats with death by distribution. He also faces additional charges, including trafficking fentanyl, felony possession of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Oats remains in custody at the Lenoir County Jail.
