Drug Dealer Convicted in Overdose Death

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Felony Drug Unit obtained multiple convictions against a drug dealer for her role in the overdose death of a forty-nine-year-old victim. Dollie Renee Cox, 33, was convicted of Facilitation of Second Degree Murder along with heroin and methamphetamine distribution offenses. As a result of her plea, Cox received a sentence of twenty years in prison.

In a plea hearing before Judge Bob McGee, Assistant District Attorney Hector Sanchez explained to the Court that on May 4, 2015, Knoxville Police Department Investigator Tim Riddle responded to an overdose death at the Red Roof Inn at 209 Advantage Place. The investigation ultimately revealed that Cox distributed heroin to the victim and prepared a syringe or”rig” that the victim used to inject himself with heroin. The Knox County Medical Examiner confirmed that the victim died of heroin intoxication.

While the investigation into the overdose death was taking place, KPD Investigator Brandon Glover received information from a confidential informant that Cox was continuing to sell heroin in Knoxville. Inv. Glover used the confidential informant to make an undercover controlled buy of heroin from Cox at the Extended Stay Motel near Bearden High School. Cox sold the informant 0.4 grams of heroin for $130. Later, investigators obtained a search warrant for another hotel room used by Cox, and that search revealed another quantity of heroin, methamphetamine, pills, digital scales, and syringes.

“My Office will continue to do everything we can to stop the rise of the opiate epidemic in our community,” said DA Charme Allen.”So far this year, we have received 149 cases of suspected drug overdoses. Unless we obtain treatment for the addicts and hold the dealers accountable, that number will continue to increase.”

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.