A Maryville woman has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after being convicted on multiple drug trafficking charges, including a delivery that resulted in a fatal overdose.

Amanda Grace Rule was convicted of criminally negligent homicide alongside several charges related to the possession and delivery of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The convictions stem from an investigation revealing that Rule delivered the drugs that led to the death of Brian Thomas Hembree.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard emotional testimony from Mr. Hembree’s father, who spoke eloquently about his son’s character and his difficult struggle with addiction. In a powerful moment of grace, he expressed his hope that Ms. Rule would use her lengthy prison sentence as an opportunity to reform her life and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The case against Rule was the result of a coordinated effort by local law enforcement and prosecutors as Detective John Bivens of the Maryville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division spearheaded the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney General Tracy Jenkins on behalf of the Blount County District Attorney’s Office.

Rule will serve her 22-year sentence under the Tennessee Department of Correction.