Alleged drug dealer charged in deadly overdose at hotel in Monroe

March 7, 2025

Caryn Little,

MONROE, N.C. — Monroe Police say they arrested the alleged drug dealer who reportedly supplied drugs to a woman who overdosed at a hotel in 2024.

Raquan Neal, 28 of Monroe, was arrested for felony Death by Distribution as part of ongoing overdose death investigation, according to a news release.

Raquan Neal

Investigators say the case began in September of 2024 when Monroe Police responded to Relax Inn, 611 W. Roosevelt Blvd., for a death investigation. Tragically, 41 year-old Minnie Ledbetter lost her life due to an overdose, according to police.

Over the last seven months, detectives say they worked tirelessly to follow up on leads and ultimately identified Neal as the source of the deadly narcotics that led to Ledbetter’s death.

Neal is currently in custody at the Union County Detention Center. Police say his conditions of release have not yet been set.

In 2019, North Carolina passed the death by distribution law in an effort to combat illicit narcotic distribution and hold drug dealers accountable for their criminal conduct. The Monroe Police Department says they stand committed to enforce this law and bring justice to those who have fallen victim to drug overdoses.

Below are resources for those battling addiction.