SALT LAKE CITY- Larry Gardner, 35, of Fort Duchesne, was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison, in addition to the 19 months in custody which Gardner has already served, after being convicted of distributing heroin and methamphetamine which resulted in the fatal overdose of an Uintah County woman and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
In the plea agreement, Gardner admitted that on Feb. 3, 2019, in Uintah County, that his girlfriend overdosed and died after ingesting a fatal combination of heroin and methamphetamine which Gardner had supplied for her days earlier, at her request. Gardner also admitted that on the same day, he possessed a.22 caliber revolver and associated ammunition, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a crime that was a felony.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is focused on pursuing federal criminal charges against individuals who distribute illegal narcotics that result in fatal overdoses," said Acting United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez. “We hope that today’s sentence is a reminder to the community and narcotics dealers alike that distributing dangerous and illegal narcotics is not a victimless crime."
“This case highlights the tragic consequences of the meth and opioid epidemic that is far-reaching in our country and here in Utah," said Special Agent in Charge Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to doing our part to curb this crisis. When someone dies as a result of your actions, and if you illegally possess firearms, you will be held accountable."
Assistant United States Attorneys from the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case against Gardner. Special Agents from the FBI and Deputies from the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
