Wauconda woman denies providing heroin to man who fatally overdosed

A 26-year-old Wauconda woman formally pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations she gave a McHenry man the heroin that later caused his death.

Amanda K. Coots asked for a jury trial on the charge of drug-induced homicide, a Class X felony that could land her in prison for 15 to 30 years if she is found guilty.

The charge alleges that on June 6 Coots delivered heroin to Rustin A. Cawthon, 36, at a Super 8 Motel in McHenry. Cawthorn was found dead at the motel later that night. An autopsy determined he died as a result of a heroin overdose, police said.

Coots' attorney Colin MacMeekin, recently appointed to the case as a special public defender, declined to comment after her arraignment.

Coots remains in custody at the McHenry County jail on a $250,000 bond. She is scheduled to return to court Oct. 13 for a pretrial status hearing.