Newberry Woman Arrested for Selling Drugs That Allegedly Led to Death

NEWBERRY ‒ Amanda Ruth Copley, 46, of Newberry, was arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 8, after a bench warrant from the court was issued for her arrest.

She was charged with two counts of selling opium derivatives within 1,000 feet of a school, maintaining a drug dwelling, using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony, fraud and money laundering after allegedly selling pills to a man who died of a fentanyl overdose a short time later.

On March 31, Copley allegedly sold counterfeit Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills to a man who overdosed and died after consuming the pills. The man reportedly bought 10 pills for $350 and later contacted Copley with concerns about the legitimacy of the pills because they were green and “busted up,” and Copley allegedly reassured him that they were genuine. The man replied, “I trust you, I’m just checking” and thanked her.

He was found dead hours later at his home. Green pills and a green powdery substance were reportedly found at the scene; the powder reportedly tested positive for fentanyl.

Post Miranda, Copley reportedly admitted selling pills to the man.

Copley has two felony convictions and one misdemeanor conviction, neither of which are violent. She is on probation for fraud and grand theft.

Judge Walter M. Green set bail at $275,000.

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