PITTSBORO -- One person has been arrested in connected with three deaths of people who took cocaine laced with painkillers over the weekend in Chatham County.

Authorities say in addition to the three people died a total of 11 more were sickened after apparently ingesting cocaine mixed with a powerful painkiller. The deaths occurred within hours of each other in the Siler City and Bear Creek areas. Deputies said it appeared all of the victims were affected within one hour of taking the concoction. 

The three victims are identified as:  Michael Currie, 42, of Curtis Brower Road, Bear Creek; Randal Welch, 24, of Franklinville, N.C. and Perry Saunders, 23, of Aurora, Missouri

A chemist from the North Carolina state Bureau of Investigation identified a sample collected from one of the scenes. The powder substance was a combination of cocaine and Fentanyl.

The Sheriff’s Department in Chatham County has now charged Edwin Maurice Pennix, 38, of Siler City, with one felony count of sale and delivery of cocaine, one felony count of sale and delivery of marijuana, and one felony count of conspiracy to sell and deliver cocaine. He is being held in the Chatham County Jail.

Pennix was also charged with two counts of Probation Violation. He is currently on probation for prior drug charges and fleeing arrest. 

At last report, Pennix was being held under a $260,000 secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court on Dec. 17. 

Anyone with any further information on the overdoses is urged to contact the Chatham County Sheriff's Office at (919) 545-8139.