Charges continue to pile up against a Springfield couple now facing additional charges connected to the overdose death of a local man.
James William Walden IV and his girlfriend Amanda Stigall, both of Springfield, were allegedly involved in the crime.
Stigall, 31, is charged with three counts of trafficking in a Fentanyl-related compound, two counts of corrupting another with drugs and one count each of involuntary manslaughter, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in drugs, aggravated trafficking in drugs and aggravated possession of drugs.
Walden, 32, is charged with two counts each of trafficking in a Fentanyl-related compound and corrupting another with drugs and one count each involuntary manslaughter, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in drugs, aggravated trafficking in drugs and aggravated possession of drugs.
The charges stem from the overdose the death of Jarrod D. Spurlock.
According to court documents, on March 28, first responders were called to an overdose death on Sycamore Street.
When they arrived at the scene, they found a man and a woman unconscious.
The man, Spurlock, was pronounced dead.
Medics were able to revive the woman using Narcan. She was taken to the hospital.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said the woman was eventually able to tell investigators Spurlock “had visited one of Jarrod’s friends in Springfield” to get the drugs.
He said investigators were able to use text messages and other cell phone records to identify Walden as the “friend.”
“Both individuals (Walden and his girlfriend Stigall) are alleged to have been involved in setting up the sale of the Fentanyl,” Phillips said, noting that once the pair was identified, additional search warrants were issued and executed.
Court documents allege that between Feb. 7 and Aug. 20, the pair was involved in a “drug selling enterprise” selling hundreds of doses of fentanyl and suboxone.
Both Stigall and Walden were indicted earlier in the year. Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said that as more evidence was uncovered, the individuals faced more charges. He said his office will always continue to investigate when an individual dies following an overdose.
If convicted on all charges, Stigall could face as many as 58 years in prison. Walden could face as many as 57 years in prison. As part of the indictment, officials are attempting to seize phones as well as nearly $13,500 in cash they believe were used as part of the criminal process.
Also indicted was:
– John Wayne Coakley, also known as Skitzo, 29, of Grove City. Coakley is charged with one count of possession of cocaine. According to court documents, on April 28, Coakley’s car was stopped in Jerome Township on a traffic violation. When police searched the man’s car, the found an alleged pipe with cocaine powder residue.
If convicted, Coakley could face as many as 12 months in prison.
– Malek Arman Bayless, 23, of 216 Bridgewater Dr., Marysville. Bayless is charged with one count of possession of cocaine.
According to court documents, about 1:53 a.m., May 20, Bayless was stopped on Watkins Road near U.S. 36 for a traffic violation. During the stop, the deputy identified Bayless as allegedly being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Investigators located alleged cocaine in the man’s vehicle.
While he was handcuffed, he reached into his pants after he was told not to. Additionally, he continued to yell at officers and push them away.
If convicted on the cocaine charge, Bayless could face as many as 12 months in prison.