A Columbus woman who was revived after an apparent overdose is now facing serious felony drug counts, after investigators say that lifesaving call led them to a stash of suspected fentanyl and dealing tools.
Columbus, Indiana, police say 39-year-old Jessica Comstock was found unresponsive early Sunday on the 2200 block of Park Avenue and brought back with naloxone. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment and, after an investigation that included a search warrant at her home, placed under arrest, according to WISH-TV.
Officers responded around 6 a.m. to a report of a suspected overdose, located Comstock and administered Narcan, then transported her to the hospital before detectives dug into what happened. As evidence developed, the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) was called in to assist, WISH-TV reports.
Search Warrant: Suspected Fentanyl And Distribution Tools
Investigators say a subsequent search warrant at Comstock's residence turned up a substantial quantity of suspected fentanyl along with other narcotics-related items and tools commonly associated with distribution. As a result, Comstock was booked on multiple preliminary counts, including Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Level 2 felony), Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 3 felony), two charges related to legend drugs and a paraphernalia charge, as reported by WISH-TV.
Charges And What They Could Mean
Under Indiana law, a conviction for dealing in a narcotic drug as a Level 2 felony generally carries a fixed sentence that starts at about 10 years, while a Level 3 felony typically has a range of roughly three to 16 years. Level 6 felonies are punishable by about six months to two-and-a-half years, according to the Indiana Code and legal references. These are statutory ranges only; prosecutors still have to formally file charges and prove their case in court before any sentence can be imposed.
Task Force Response And Overdose Context
The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team, which includes the Bartholomew County Sheriff's Office, Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County prosecutor's office, said the operation is part of continuing work to disrupt the flow of dangerous synthetic opioids in the county, according to QMix 107.3.
Naloxone, the opioid reversal drug used by officers in this case, has been a key public-health tool in Indiana's overdose response. State programs have supported widespread naloxone distribution and training in recent years, per the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Comstock remains under medical care and in police custody, officials said. The charges are still preliminary, and prosecutors will decide how to proceed. Investigators asked anyone with information to contact the Columbus Police Department or JNET, and said the case remains open, according to WISH-TV.
