Overdose Death Brings Conviction of Gaithersburg Man

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A federal grand jury on Wednesday convicted Justin Larson, 30, of Gaithersburg for selling a powerful opiate that resulted in an overdose death, although jurors did not reach a verdict on a similar charge for a second person's fatal overdose.

Larson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for distribution of acetyl fentanyl with death resulting; a maximum of 30 years in prison for the narcotics conspiracy; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the six possession and distribution counts, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Larson was found guilty on charges of distribution of acetyl fentanyl, which resulted in death; 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.

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.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for April 26. Larson remains in custody while he awaits sentencing.