Drug dealer intentionally gave sorority girl deadly dose of Oxycodone: Feds

An accused drug dealer provided the Oxycodone that killed a 19-year-old University of South Carolina student, according to charges recently filed in state and federal court.

According to The State, Anthony “A.J.” Hunt, 22, was charged with illegal distribution of Oxycodone in connection with the death of Rachel Bandman, 19. Bandman, a public relations major and a member of Chi Omega sorority, was found dead in downtown Columbia apartment in January 2016.

Officials deemed Bandman’s death as a homicide for the first time Monday. Richland County Coroner, Gary Watts, previously told The State that the 19-year-old’s death was “suspicious but accidental,” indicating that officials believed her death was overdose-related.

Despite this, police declined to disclose what evidence led them to charge Hunt with Bandman’s death.

“Mr. Hunt had every reason to believe that death would occur when he distributed the drug,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Garner said during a five-minute hearing in federal court.

Police records obtained by the newspaper stated that Hunt was arrested last year in his apartment located near the college campus. There, investigators allegedly recovered “multiple bags containing green plant material and multiple scales located throughout the living room area” in addition to $10,000 cash.

Hunt, who was free on bond since March, was re-arrested Friday on the new federal charges. He is also charged with distributing drugs near a school and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, the newspaper noted.

Hunt faces 20 years to life if convicted as charged. A bond hearing has been scheduled.

[Featured Image: Anthony “A.J.” Hunt/Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center; Rachel Bandman/Facebook]