DIXON – A second Dixon woman is charged with drug-induced homicide in the death of Felicia Halstead, 22, who overdosed and died Nov. 11 after what police say was her first time using heroin.

Heather A. Wilcox, 32, faces 6 to 30 years in prison if convicted. She also is charged with delivery of a controlled substance (less than 1 gram of heroin), punishable by 3 to 7 years; and possession of a controlled substance (less than 15 grams of heroin), punishable by 1 to 3 years.

Rebecca S. Dixon, 35, still was in Lee County Jail Monday on $100,000 bond, arrested Jan. 22 and charged with the same three felonies as Wilcox. Dixon has pleaded not guilty.

Halstead was found unresponsive at a house in the 700 block of Assembly Place; she was pronounced dead at KSB Hospital.

Wilcox is not in custody; she was given a notice to appear March 2 in Lee County Court, Police Chief Danny Langloss said Monday. Charges were filed in court Thursday.

According to Lee County Court records, Wilcox was sentenced to 2 years’ probation for possession of a controlled substance in July 2013.

Dixon and Halstead were friends, and Wilcox and Halstead recently met, Langloss said.

The investigation showed that Wilcox was involved early on, he said, adding that although Dixon and Wilcox are addicts themselves, “that doesn’t mean there won’t be accountability.”

“We recognize that both suffer from heroin addiction, and we’re trying to find the right balance between accountability and treating that disease,” Langloss said, noting that how they handle treatment likely will affect how they are prosecuted.

“Our street crimes detectives have been in communication with her, and she has a desire to go to treatment. That doesn’t mean the charges will drop,” Langloss said. “This type of a process gives a unique opportunity to observe her progress, and how she’s coming along with her addiction. At the end, accountability and justice can be served.”

The department and the county are “rebranding” drug treatment and punishment, choosing to redefine and delineate the difference between those who sell heroin to support a habit, and those who sell it as a primary means of income, he said.

There is a separation between the Safe Passage Initiative program, which connects drug addicts with assistance and recovery resources, and the criminal side of a case, Langloss said.

Police decide whether a person is eligible for treatment, and the state’s attorney decides whether to prosecute. When appropriate, police provide input, he said.