Fentanyl Overdose Death Earns Gaithersburg Man Prison Sentence

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A federal judge recently sentenced Justin Larson, 30, of Gaithersburg to life in prison for selling a powerful opiate that resulted in an overdose death, according to federal officials. Larson was also convicted Jan. 25 on conspiracy to distribute narcotics, five counts of possession or attempted possession of a controlled substance and controlled substance analogue with intent to distribute, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance.

The jury was not able to reach a verdict on a second count of distribution of acetyl fentanyl, resulting in death for a second person's fatal overdose,according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Acetyl fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the past year authorities say it has been mixed with heroin and other illicit opioids, which has led to increased drug overdoses and deaths.

According to the testimony at his three-week trial, from May 2014 through March 17, 2016, Larson conspired to sell acetyl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl, a controlled substance. The evidence showed that on May 9, 2014, Larson gave acetyl fentanyl to a person who fatally overdosed.

In the indictment filed last year, prosecutors alleged that two people who bought fentanyl from Larson died from overdoses.
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