A Maryville woman has been ordered to serve 22 years in prison after her conviction on criminally negligent homicide and related drug charges in the overdose death of Brian Thomas Hembree. Prosecutors said the case grew out of deliveries of fentanyl and methamphetamine that were linked to Hembree's death, and Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond announced the sentence in court Monday.
Desmond said Rule was convicted of negligent homicide and several drug trafficking counts connected to the delivery of fentanyl and methamphetamine, including one count tied directly to Hembree's death, according to WVLT. He said the investigation was led by Det. John Bivens with the Maryville Police Department.
"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," Desmond added, as reported by WVLT.
Charges and legal context
Criminally negligent homicide is defined in Tennessee law as conduct that results in death and is classified as a Class E felony under Tenn. Code § 39-13-212, according to Justia. Tennessee law also allows prosecutors to pursue second-degree murder charges when a fentanyl delivery is the proximate cause of a user's death under Tenn. Code § 39-13-210, as noted by Justia, which carries far steeper penalties.
Local trend: fentanyl and overdose deaths
State health data show fentanyl has been the leading driver of fatal overdoses across Tennessee in recent years, according to the Tennessee Department of Health, complicating both criminal prosecutions and the public health response. The department's overdose surveillance and SUDORS reports provide the statewide context for cases tied to illicit fentanyl distribution.
The Blount County District Attorney's Office confirmed the sentence and identified Ryan Desmond as the district attorney. The case will remain part of the local court record as any post-sentencing motions or appeals are resolved.
