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A Spring Lake man is accused of providing a drug that killed a woman who recently moved to Harnett County from Arizona.
A Harnett County Grand Jury indicted 34-year-old Issac Anthony Ortiz, of 415 Wapiti Drive, on a charge of death by distribution for allegedly selling Michale Ryan the fentanyl that killed her between Sept. 7 and Sept. 10.
Ryan, 32, had recently moved to the area, according to Harnett County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Spencer Elmore. The woman was found dead in her home earlier this month. Investigators believe her death was caused by an overdose of the deadly opioid.
“The investigation revealed, prior to Michale’s death, Issac Ortiz provided or sold illegal narcotics to Ryan, causing her to become deceased,” said Elmore. “This is still an ongoing investigation.”
The indictment was returned on Sept. 15. Ortiz was arrested on Tuesday.
He is being held under a $500,000 secured bond. In his first court appearance, Wednesday, Judge Brian E. Lewis appointed attorney Jesse W. Jones to represent Ortiz in court proceedings. His next court date was set for Nov. 10.
In an affidavit of indigency submitted to the court on Tuesday, Ortiz claimed he is self-employed as a landscaper. His spouse, Zorina Chase is self-employed in retail clothing, he noted in the court record. Ortiz listed his monthly income at $3,000 and claims five dependents. He reports his monthly expenses as $2,200.
Ortiz pleaded guilty to a previous charge of misdemeanor larceny in another case last year. He was ordered to pay a fine of $100 and court costs of $203.