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LIMESTONE COUNTY-On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Limestone County Jail Supervisor Sergeant Jacob Lamar alerted investigators after his team discovered inmate Johnathan Andrew Etter in possession of fentanyl inside his cell. Investigator Cooper-Posey promptly responded, and subsequent investigation provided probable cause to charge Etter with Promoting Prison Contraband in the 2nd Degree.
As the initial investigation progressed, further evidence was gathered, which led to additional charges. On April 22, 2025,
warrants were obtained charging Etter with Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) and Manslaughter. The bond for these charges will be determined later by the presiding judge.
warrants were obtained charging Etter with Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) and Manslaughter. The bond for these charges will be determined later by the presiding judge.“I want to thank every individual who worked diligently on this case, from the Coroner’s Office to our patrol, investigations, and corrections divisions. Their coordinated efforts helped uncover the truth and bring appropriate charges forward.” ~Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin~
Under Alabama law, manslaughter includes knowingly distributing a controlled substance containing fentanyl when the recipient dies as a result of its use. The relevant statute states:
“A person commits the crime of manslaughter if he or she knowingly sells, furnishes, gives away, delivers, or distributes a controlled substance in violation of Section 13A-12-211, which contains fentanyl, any mixture containing fentanyl, any synthetic controlled substance fentanyl, or any synthetic controlled substance fentanyl analogue as described in Sections 20-2-23 and 20-2-25, and the person to whom the controlled substance is sold, furnished, given, delivered, or distributed dies as a proximate result of the use of the controlled substance.”
Media Release/Limestone County Sheriff’s Department
