Former Yuba County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Mark Heath, 38, was convicted following a two-day trial in Harrisburg for drug trafficking and federal firearms offenses. The jury found Heath guilty of possession of a firearm to further drug trafficking, conspiracy to manufacture and distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, and an additional drug trafficking count.
Heath’s criminal activities involved the transportation of hundreds of pounds of marijuana across state lines. His co-conspirators, who previously pleaded guilty, participated in a scheme that began in September 2014 and continued until January 7, 2016. During his tenure as a deputy sheriff, Heath grew marijuana on property in Oroville, CA, and distributed it through the U.S. Postal Service to addresses in York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as Hanover.
In December 2015, while transporting 89.5 kilograms of marijuana worth nearly half a million dollars, Heath was apprehended by law enforcement agencies in York County. His truck contained the entire quantity of marijuana, a loaded Glock firearm, and his deputy sheriff’s badge.
Heath faces additional firearms charges pending in Butte County, California. The investigation into his activities was conducted by multiple federal and local agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, York County Drug Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking is life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. The conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess marijuana with intent carries a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment. The conspiracy to commit money laundering has a maximum term of 20 years. The judge will consider various factors before imposing a sentence.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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