Wake County Woman Charged With Aggravated Death by Distribution in Fentanyl Overdose
GARNER, NC – A Garner woman is facing serious drug charges after investigators say she sold purple fentanyl that caused the fatal overdose of a Wake County man earlier this year. Deputies allege her prior heroin trafficking conviction heightened the severity of the case.
Overdose Death Investigation
On March 29, Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to a home in the 8190 block of Panther Lake Road for a death investigation. The victim, identified as 39-year-old Matthew Godbold, was found unresponsive inside the residence. Investigators initially suspected a drug overdose.
Evidence collected at the scene was submitted to the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, where testing confirmed the presence of fentanyl.
Suspect Charged
After months of investigation, deputies determined that Lauren Tasha Olsen, 37, of Garner, sold and delivered the fentanyl to Godbold. Court documents state Olsen unlawfully and feloniously sold purple fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, to the victim, causing his death.
Because Olsen has a prior conviction for attempted heroin trafficking from July 2017, prosecutors elevated the charge to Aggravated Death by Distribution. She is also charged with Sell/Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance.
Olsen was arrested on Sept. 29 and booked into the Wake County Detention Center without bond. She is awaiting her first appearance in Wake County District Court.
The aggravated death investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information has been released.
About Wake County Sheriff’s Office
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency serving the unincorporated areas of Wake County, North Carolina, and plays a crucial role in protecting one of the state’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. Led by an elected sheriff who serves four-year terms, the WCSO is entrusted with safeguarding more than 1.1 million residents through professional law enforcement, judicial, and detention services. Its mission is to uphold and protect the Constitutional Rights of every citizen, resident, and visitor while enforcing the law fairly and impartially. The agency’s work extends far beyond patrol duties, including criminal investigations, court security, detention center operations, community outreach, and emergency response. Guided by four core values — Integrity, Accountability, Transparency, and Consistency — the men and women of the WCSO pledge to serve with honesty, ethical strength, and respect for all individuals. By embracing these principles, the Sheriff’s Office strives to maintain public trust, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure safety and justice for everyone in Wake County. For more information, click here.