MUNCIE, Ind. — A Muncie man has been charged with drug dealing resulting in death.
According to an affidavit for probable cause released Friday, police began investigating 42-year-old James Willie Williams' activity in May. At that time, they found a woman dead in the 100 block of South Dill Street in Muncie.
During the course of their death investigation, police analyzed the woman's phone. According to court documents, the analysis revealed she had engaged in drug transactions via text and Facebook. Police also determined that some of her messages pertained to her owing money for drugs.
Per court records, law enforcement questioned multiple individuals believed to be involved in the drug transactions with the victim. During the interviews, police learned she paid $60 for one gram of cocaine from Williams.
The woman was also believed to owe an additional $30 for the cocaine. Williams offered another person involved in the deal half a gram of cocaine for their help in making sure the transaction was completed.
According to court documents, the drug deal happened on a Sunday, and police found the victim dead the next day.
As their investigation continued, police learned Williams drove a large older car with recognizable rims. Per court records, law enforcement found photos that appeared to depict the same vehicle on Williams' Facebook page.
Police reported that Williams was the passenger in a car they stopped near 8th and Luick Streets on Thursday. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found a black Taurus GX4 9mm handgun in the glove compartment directly in front of Williams.
Law enforcement also performed a records check on Williams, and they discovered he was convicted in a previous felony case in Madison County.
Williams was arrested and booked into the Delaware County Jail on Thursday. He has been preliminarily charged with drug dealing resulting in death and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
Drug dealing resulting in death is a Level 1 Felony in Indiana. The maximum penalty for such a crime in the Hoosier State is a 40-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000.