Teen Dies, 3 Others Hospitalized From Apparent Overdoses

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga.,None — Officials in Cherokee County said one teen has died and three others were hospitalized after suffering apparent drug overdoses.

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office officials said deputies responded to a home on Valley Farm Court in Acworth on Aug. 25 in response to a possible drug overdose. The victim, Kevin Lewis, 18, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Officials said they are awaiting toxicology results from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death.

Authorities said a further investigation revealed that three other 18-year-old men suffered apparent overdoses and were hospitalized. All were subsequently released.

Police arrested the homeowner, Kerrie Sue Chatham, 42, and charged her with distribution of a Schedule II drug and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Chatham remained in custody at the Cherokee Adult Detention Center.

Police said they believe Lewis obtained the drug Phenazepam from the Internet. Officials said the experimental drug does not appear on the list of controlled substances in the United States. Investigators said they are working to identify where the drug came from.

WSBTV