Three Sentenced in Overdose Causing Death Case

Charleston, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney M. Rhett DeHart announced today that Darryl Blunt, 59, Ayla Courvoisie, 31, and Teresa Cooper, 60, all of Charleston, were sentenced for their respective roles in a case involving fentanyl that caused the death of a victim. Specifically, Blunt was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing fentanyl that caused a death, Courvoisie was sentenced to 12 years in prison for distributing fentanyl that caused a death and wire fraud, and Cooper was sentenced to probation for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence presented to the Court showed that Blunt distributed fentanyl to Courvoisie, and Courvoisie, in turn, distributed the drugs to the victim, who died from the drugs. Courvoisie then contacted Blunt, who provided Courvoisie with other individuals who eventually helped Courvoisie move the victim’s body. Courvoisie stole the victim’s bank cards and used them around Charleston. After the overdose, and while Blunt was in jail, Blunt directed Cooper to obtain his gun for him, which they both were prohibited from possessing. Additional evidence presented at the sentencing showed that Blunt had a significant criminal history.

United States District Judge David C. Norton sentenced Blunt to 240 months in federal prison, and Courvoisie to 144 months, both to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system. Cooper was sentenced to 24-months probation.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, North Charleston Police Department, and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen prosecuted the case.

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