A Habersham County woman jailed three years ago for the drug overdose death of a Mt. Airy man will spend the next seven years in prison.
On Monday in Habersham County Superior Court, Ashley Sosebee, 29, pled guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter
Sosebee was charged in the September 2017 death of Michael “Adam” Hicks. According to prosecutors, the 37-year-old Hicks died as a result of illegal drugs Sosebee sold to others, that he later used.
Superior Court Judge Chan Caudell sentenced Sosebee to 12 years, with seven to serve in state prison. Upon her release, she’ll be required to perform community service, pay a $2,000 fine, and will be subject to involuntary searches and seizures.
The sentence also prohibits Sosebee from contacting Hicks’ family, the District Attorney’s Office says.
Before accepting the joint sentencing recommendation, Judge Caudell heard from Hicks’ mother and stepmother. The Court also heard from Sosebee who, in addition to manslaughter, pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and reckless conduct.
Sosebee was arrested on February 9, 2018, following a five-month-long investigation into Hicks’ death by state and local authorities.
During that investigation, law enforcement identified a heroin distribution ring in North Georgia. Evidence and information gathered resulted in Sosebee’s arrest. She was originally charged with felony murder.
The case was investigated by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, GBI, and task force members from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.
Mountain Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Melissa Garcia prosecuted the case.
Since her arrest, Sosebee has been held without bond in the Habersham County jail.
