Man Charged In Federal Indictment for Distribution of Oxycodone Resulting in the Death of Former University of South Carolina Student

Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Anthony James Edward Hunt, age 22, of Columbia.  Hunt was charged in a federal indictment with unlawfully distributing oxycodone, which resulted in the death of a former University of South Carolina student on January 28, 2016.  Hunt faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.  The indictment further charges Hunt with unlawfully distributing alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in this case, including the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, City of Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Coroner’s Office, and University of South Carolina Police Department.

Ms. Drake stated that this case represents the Department of Justice’s commitment to combatting the unlawful distribution of opioids. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this case are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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