Wauconda woman charged in drug death

A 26-year-old Wauconda woman faces a drug-induced homicide charge in connection with the death of a McHenry man, police said.

Amanda K. Coots was charged Thursday with a Class X felony, punishable by six to 30 years in prison, McHenry Deputy Police Chief Roger Pechous said.

Police say Coots delivered heroin to Rustin A. Cawthon, 36, at an area hotel on the night he died. Cawthon was found dead June 6 at the Super 8 Motel, 110 S. Route 31, McHenry. Autopsy reports show he died of a heroin overdose.

"It appears that Amanda Coots was the individual that delivered the heroin," Pechous said.

Parts of the case are still under investigation.

"We're looking for the (drug) suppliers to see how far up the chain we can go," Pechous said.

Coots was arrested at a court hearing Thursday. She was in court on unrelated charges, Pechous said.

Coots is held at McHenry Count Jail on $250,000 bond. She is due in court Aug. 27.