Alleged heroin dealer arrested at East Knox motel in connection with overdose death

An alleged heroin dealer has been arrested in connection with a Knoxville man's overdose death this week, according to court records.

Ryan Cole Helton Kuhn was taken into custody Wednesday night at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on Strawberry Plains Pike, where he allegedly had sold a fatal dose of heroin the night before to the victim, 23-year-old Brennan Peacock, arrest warrants state.

Peacock was found dead Tuesday at an address on Buffat Mill Road.

"The defendant admitted that he sold the victim two grams of heroin for $200 from his room at the Econo Lodge on Oct. 30," the warrants read.

The 25-year-old Kuhn had heroin and methamphetamine hidden in his underwear when authorities searched him during his arrest, according to the warrants.

A search of his motel room allegedly uncovered more meth and heroin, along with drug paraphernalia and a loaded .380-caliber handgun.

Kuhn now is charged with three counts of felony drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm with intent to go armed and possession of a firearm by a felon. He has previous convictions in Knox County for aggravated burglary, theft, unlawful possession of a weapon and criminal impersonation.

Kuhn also has outstanding charges for felony drug possession and theft stemming from an arrest in September.

The arrestee has not been charged in connection with Peacock's death.

Kuhn remained jailed Friday in lieu of $217,500 total bond. He is set for a preliminary hearing Nov. 13.