News

Alleged fentanyl supplier charged with second-degree murder after overdose death

Saul Albert Hinson

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 7, 2023

Henderson County sheriff's detectives charged a 32-year-old Hendersonville man with second-degree murder after a grand jury indicted him on charges that he supplied fentanyl to a user who died of an overdose.

The case started on Aug. 17 when deputies responded to a call for service regarding a suspected drug overdose. The victim, Harold Anthony Plott II, was pronounced dead at the scene, and it was suspected that the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose.

The incident prompted an immediate and comprehensive investigation by detectives of the Drug Task Force and Major Crimes Unit of the sheriff's office. After months of tireless work, relentless pursuit of leads and thorough investigation, detectives identifed the alleged supplier. Evidence confirmed that Plott had died as a direct result of a fentanyl overdose. Subsequently, the detectives presented the compelling case to a grand jury.
This week a Henderson County grand jury indicted Saul Albert Hinson on charges of second degree murder distribution of drugs and death by distribution.

The sheriff's Drug Task Force and the U.S. Marshal's Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force teamed up to apprehend Hinson and take him into custody on Monday. He remained in custody on Tuesday on a $725,000 bond.

"I commend the hard work and dedication of our detectives, who tirelessly pursued justice in this case," Sheriff Lowell Griffin said. "We remain committed to identifying and holding accountable those responsible for distributing poison within our community. “
Griffin also acknowledges the invaluable support and cooperation from the U.S. marshal's office, expressing gratitude for their swift assistance in apprehending the suspect.
The sheriff said his office remains resolute in its mission to protect the community from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.

"We will continue to work diligently alongside our local, state, and federal partners to prevent further tragedies and safeguard the well-being of the citizens of Henderson County," he said in a statement.