MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Maryville woman will spend more than two decades behind bars after being convicted of criminally negligent homicide and multiple drug trafficking offenses connected to the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond announced Monday that Amanda Grace Rule was sentenced to 22 years in prison following her conviction on the charges.
According to prosecutors, Rule was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and several drug trafficking-related offenses involving the delivery of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Authorities said one of those drug transactions resulted in the death of Brian Thomas Hembree.
During sentencing proceedings, the court heard from Hembree’s father, who spoke about his son’s life and his battle with addiction.
“The Court heard from the father of Mr. Hembree, who eloquently articulated the wonderful person Mr. Hembree was, and his struggle with addiction,” Desmond said. “He expressed that he hoped Ms. Rule used this as an opportunity to turn her life around and make a difference in others’ lives.”
The case highlights the continuing impact of fentanyl-related overdoses and drug deaths across Tennessee and the nation. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on prosecuting individuals involved in the distribution of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid linked to thousands of overdose deaths each year.
The investigation leading to Rule’s conviction was conducted by Detective John Bivens of the Maryville Police Department.
Officials did not release additional details about the circumstances of the drug transaction that led to Hembree’s death.
With the sentencing now complete, Rule will serve her 22-year prison term under the judgment of the court.
