A South Carolina man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in the death of a Charleston attorney linked to a drug overdose.
Man Sentenced for Role in Attorney’s Death
Levi Miles, 41, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, fined $40,000, and ordered to three years of supervised release.
Miles had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess fentanyl and oxycodone with intent to distribute, as well as possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He faced up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Connection to Overdose Death
The case stems from the death of David Aylor, a well-known Lowcountry attorney who died from a drug overdose on Jan. 2, 2023. The Charleston County coroner ruled his death an accident due to mixed drug toxicity, including fentanyl, diazepam, clonazepam, and ethanol.
Prosecutors said Miles supplied Aylor with fentanyl and oxycodone for about a year leading up to his death. Miles and Aylor were cousins and coworkers at a local personal injury law firm.
Judge Cites Post-Offense Rehabilitation
U.S. District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks reduced Miles’ sentence, citing “extraordinary post-offense rehabilitation” highlighted by his defense attorney.
During his guilty plea, Miles admitted to a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. He was initially arrested on Nov. 10, 2025, in connection with Aylor’s death.
Background on the Case
David Aylor was a prominent criminal defense and personal injury lawyer in Charleston. He had hired Miles as a private investigator during Aylor’s representation of former North Charleston officer Michael Slager in the 2015 trial for the murder of Walter Scott.
Aylor’s professional and personal connection to Miles was described by his attorney as “like a brother,” making the situation particularly tragic.
Federal authorities emphasized the dangers of fentanyl, warning that it is highly pervasive and deadly, often present in substances unsuspected by users.
