By Donna Thornton, Editor
A difficult chapter in a tragic case came to a close Tuesday morning, according to the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office.
Circuit Court Judge Chris Abel sentenced Alex Hollingsworth to 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence under the law, after he pled guilty to Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance with an Aggravating Factor (Distribution Caused Death). Assistant District Attorneys Mark Hopper and Riley Chandler represented the State of Alabama in this prosecution, according to a statement from the District Attorney’s office.
“This conviction stems from Hollingsworth’s distribution of cocaine laced with fentanyl to a 26-year-old Marshall County resident, who died as a result of ingesting the deadly mixture,” the statement continued. “This young man was one of five fentanyl-related overdoses that occurred in our county between February 25–27, 2022. Tragically, two of those overdoses were fatal.
“Due to the spike in overdoses over just a few days, the Marshall County Coroner’s Office alerted the Marshall County Drug Task Force, leading to an extensive multi-agency investigation involving officers from Albertville-AL Police Department, Boaz Police Department, Guntersville Police Department, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. “That investigation ultimately brought Mr. Hollingsworth to justice.
This case proceeded without any plea agreement. Hollingsworth entered what is known as a “blind plea,” meaning no promises were made and no sentence was negotiated. After a full sentencing hearing, the maximum 20-year sentence was imposed by Judge Abel.
“As Assistant District Attorney Mark Hopper said in court, there are no winners here,” District Attorney Jennifer Bray said. “A life was lost and a family forever changed. But accountability must stand. When individuals choose to sell drugs, especially in a time where fentanyl is so often present, they do so knowing it could result in death and prison.
“Without strong sentencing and real consequences like that handed down by Judge Abel, dealers will continue this deadly practice with no regard for the human cost. I am grateful for the dedication and hard work of the Marshall County Coroner’s Office, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, and Assistant District Attorneys Mark Hopper and Riley Chandler who worked tirelessly to pursue justice in this case.”
“We mourn the loss of life and continue to stand with the families affected by this crisis. We hope this sentence sends a clear message: fentanyl kills, and those who distribute it will be held responsible,” Bray said.
