Man charged in New Hanover County overdose case

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man has been charged with death by distribution following an investigation into a fatal overdose that occurred in early January, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnny Lee Herring IV, 44, was arrested Thursday in connection with the overdose death of Edwin Graham Bell, 65. Deputies responded to a call on River Road on January 3, where they found Bell unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, authorities determined Bell’s death was the result of a fatal overdose.

Herring has been charged with multiple felonies, which include Death by Distribution, Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Fentanyl (two counts), Manufacture of Schedule I (Fentanyl), Sell and Deliver Schedule I (Fentanyl), Possession of Schedule I (Fentanyl), Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Cocaine, Manufacture of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Herring is currently being held in the New Hanover County Detention Facility under a $250,000 secured bond.