Woman accused in drug ring faces murder charge in friend’s overdose death

A five-month long investigation into a North Georgia man’s overdose led to a woman facing a murder charge and several others facing drug and racketeering charges, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement authorities said in a news release.

Ashley Sosebee was arrested Friday in the overdose death of Adam Hicks, Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement spokesman Mitchell Posey said. In addition to murder, Sosbee faces racketeering charges.

During the investigation, authorities “uncovered additional people from Adam Hick’s inner circle that were distributing heroin and oxycodone,” Posey said.

Authorities charged Brandon Burton, 25, of Cornelia; Patricia Blacklock, 20, of Gainesville; Jordan Flanagan, 25, of Alto; Jessica Hancock, 23, of Clarkesville; Grant Martin, 21, of Cornelia; and Dustin Thomas, 22, of Alto with racketeering.

Officials searched homes in Baldwin, Carnesville, Cornelia, and Mt. Airy during the investigation. Habersham County authorities also arrested 10 others on drug charges.