Conway Woman Sentenced to More than a Decade in Federal Prison for Role in Fentanyl Overdose Death

FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ashia Rhene McCray, 22, of Conway, was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute, and distributing, a quantity of fentanyl, with death resulting. 

“As we have seen across South Carolina and the rest of the country, deadly drugs have deadly consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs.  “As this case makes clear, those who bring poison into our communities face grave consequences for the death and destruction they sow.  I want to especially thank our federal and state partners who brought this fentanyl distributor to justice.”

“Last year, more than 100,000 people died of drug poisoning, many of which were caused by fentanyl – that’s more than the highest match attendance at this year’s World Cup,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta Field Division.  “This Defendant unfortunately contributed to this staggering statistic and will therefore spend a lengthy amount of time behind bars.” 

“Once again, the collaboration between local and federal law enforcement partners has succeeded in taking dangerous drugs, and the people that sell them, off our streets,” said Chief Joe R. Hill of Horry County Police Department.  “Together, we are able to bring many more resources to bear upon this problem, and we are so appreciative of these partnerships.” 

Evidence presented to the Court showed that on October 24, 2021, McCray sold purported Roxicodone pills to another individual at a home in Conway.  Shortly thereafter, the purchaser died of an accidental drug-induced cardiac arrythmia.  Pills consistent with those sold to the Victim by McCray were recovered from the Victim’s wallet. Those pills lab tested positive for fentanyl, which was also found in the Victim’s system.  Subsequent investigation determined that the fentanyl in the Victim’s system was the cause of the Victim’s death.

United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III, sentenced McCray to 135 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by Horry County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn prosecuted the case.