STATESVILLE, N.C. – A Statesville man has been sentenced to at least two years in prison for providing fentanyl that led to a 2022 overdose death.
Dakoda Drake, 27, was arrested in November 2023 after an investigation into the overdose of Julius Gunter, who was found unresponsive at a Hickory Highway residence. Paramedics administered NARCAN and rushed Gunter to the hospital, but he did not survive.
Sentencing Details
On Tuesday, April 4, 2025, Drake accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to:
19 to 32 months for involuntary manslaughter and delivery of a Schedule I controlled substance
An additional 6 to 17 months for a probation violation
Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff Darren Campbell reinforced the department’s commitment to combating fentanyl-related crimes, stating:
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that is taking far too many lives, and we will continue to hold those who distribute it accountable. This poison has no place in our community, and we will use every resource available to keep it off our streets and out of the hands of our citizens.”
Authorities continue to urge the public to report drug activity to help prevent further tragedies.
