Wayne County — An investigation into a fatal drug overdose at the Wayne County Jail has led to the arrest and charging of an inmate now accused of distributing the substances that caused another inmate’s death.
Steven Alton Carlton, 33, has been charged with death by distribution through unlawful delivery of certain controlled substances, possession of a controlled substance on jail premises, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule I controlled substances, following a joint investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
Carlton is being held without bond.
Fatal Overdose in Jail
The charges stem from a May 22, 2025, incident in which Christopher Czyzewski, 44, was found suffering from a drug overdose while in custody at the Wayne County Detention Center. Czyzewski was transported to Wayne UNC Hospital, where he received medical care but later succumbed to the overdose, dying on May 29.
Due to the serious nature of the incident, Sheriff Larry Pierce immediately requested assistance from the NCSBI, who began working with local investigators to determine how drugs entered the secure facility.
The investigation ultimately identified Carlton, also incarcerated at the time, as the individual responsible for distributing the controlled substances involved in Czyzewski’s overdose. Carlton was formally charged on June 5, 2025.
Suicide Attempt Under Investigation
Later that same day, at approximately 4:05 p.m., detention staff were alerted by other inmates to a medical emergency involving Carlton. When staff responded, they found Carlton experiencing symptoms consistent with a suicide attempt.
Wayne County Detention Officers, along with the facility nurse and Wayne County EMS, immediately began providing emergency medical care. Carlton was stabilized and transported to Wayne UNC Hospital for further treatment. His current condition has not been released.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the overdose, the source of the drugs, and jail security procedures.
No further information is being released at this time, according to officials.
