Fentanyl-Laced Chocolates Alleged in Murder Plot After Woman Drove From Coleman

PARKER COUNTY, TX — A woman who drove from Coleman to Parker County has been indicted on charges of criminal solicitation with intent to commit murder after authorities said she tried to hire someone to kill her ex-husband using fentanyl-laced chocolates.

Pamela Jean Stanley, 63, was arrested by the Parker County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit and indicted on Thursday, according to a press release issued July 11.

Sheriff Russ Authier said the investigation began after a protected source reported that Stanley was planning to kill her ex-husband. Investigators recorded Stanley describing a plan to purchase powdered fentanyl and inject it into a high-end box of chocolates, which she intended to mail to her ex-husband disguised as a congratulatory gift from a travel agency for his recent engagement. The package was to include a “honeymoon” incentive offer, officials said.

Stanley drove several hours from Coleman, Texas, to Parker County, where she met undercover investigators in the parking lot of a local Interstate motel to complete what she believed was a fentanyl purchase, the sheriff’s office said.

Stanley was taken into custody immediately following the operation. Deputies also discovered she was in possession of 9.5 grams of methamphetamine, confirmed by testing at the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab.

She was indicted on charges of criminal solicitation with intent to commit murder, criminal attempt to commit murder and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Her total bond was set at $450,000.