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From Staff Reports
A tragic overdose death in March has led to the arrest of a Carter County man and woman on multiple charges, including second-degree murder. Jason Davis Pitman, 35, and Alissa Danielle Pitman, 40, both residents of 2484 Siam Road, Lot 20, Elizabethton, were taken into custody by deputies from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the overdose death of 31-year-old Thomas D. Snyder III, a resident of the Siam community.

Jason Pitman faces a litany of charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, conspiracy to possess Schedule II drugs with intent to sell or deliver, four counts of possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to sell or deliver, four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of tampering with evidence, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of attempted possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to sell or deliver, and one count of maintaining a dwelling where controlled substances are used or sold.

Alissa Pitman, likewise, is facing serious charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, conspiracy to possess Schedule II drugs with intent to sell or deliver, four counts of possession of Schedule II drugs with intent to sell or deliver, four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of tampering with evidence, and one count of maintaining a dwelling where controlled substances are used or sold.

The investigation into the Pitmans’ alleged involvement in Thomas Snyder’s death began on the night of March 7, 2023. Deputies responded to their residence shortly after 11 p.m. following a report of a possible heroin overdose. Upon arrival, they found Jason Pitman administering CPR to Snyder. Despite the administration of three doses of Narcan, Snyder did not respond, and emergency medical personnel declared him deceased.

Subsequent investigations and an autopsy revealed that Snyder’s death was caused by fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.

The case was presented to the Carter County Grand Jury, which issued indictments against Jason and Alissa Pitman in connection with Snyder’s overdose death. These indictments were issued by the Criminal Court on Wednesday, leading to the immediate execution of warrants and the Pitmans’ arrest. They are currently being held at the Carter County Detention Center on $100,000 bond each.

Sheriff Mike Fraley expressed condolences to the Snyder family and emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to combat drug-related issues in the community. Sheriff Fraley stated, “I know nothing can lessen the pain of losing a loved one, but I hope the arrest of Jason Pitman and Alissa Pitman bring some comfort to the family of Mr. Snyder in knowing that those responsible have been held accountable for their actions.” He commended his officers and investigators for their hard work and affirmed the dedication to prosecuting individuals involved in drug trafficking and overdose-related deaths.

Sheriff Fraley concluded, “If you deal drugs, we will prosecute you, and if you sell drugs to someone who loses their life due to an overdose, you will be held accountable for those actions and face the consequences.”