Woman arrested for minor’s 2024 fatal overdose

SULPHUR SPRINGS — The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman on Monday in connection with a minor’s fatal drug overdose that occurred in 2024, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Officials said Diamon Leann Yates was arrested on a charge of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance. The arrest comes after an investigation conducted by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office started on July 17, 2024 when a minor was found dead from an overdose. As part of the investigation, the American Forensics lab examined the minor’s body and a toxicology report disclosed the presence N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene, a new drug that was not recognized under Texas law at the time.

“The indictment specifies that the offense resulted in death and or serious bodily injury,” Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum said.

Investigators saw the potential threat that the new drug could pose and they decided to get federal partners involved. As a result, a federal indictment for Yates’ arrest was secured. Officials said they aim to impose the maximum punishment in order to prevent future cases.

“The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all federal agencies involved for their invaluable collaboration and support in bringing this case to the federal level,” Tatum said “This arrest underscores the commitment of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office to combat the distribution of dangerous narcotics and seek justice for victims of overdose.”