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Heroin Trafficking Sends Clarksburg Man to Prison
A Clarksburg man is headed to prison after being sentenced for his role in a heroin trafficking operation in 2015. Larry D. Saunders, 40, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for distributing heroin within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
Saunders was arrested in April 2015 after selling heroin near a Harrison County playground. He later pleaded guilty to one count of "Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location – Aiding and Abetting." The plea was entered in September 2015.
"The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated the case after receiving a tip about Saunders’ activities," stated a local law enforcement source. "Their hard work and dedication led to the apprehension of Saunders and the disruption of his heroin trafficking operation."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Saunders on behalf of the government. U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided over the sentencing hearing.
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against heroin trafficking in West Virginia. The state has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, with many communities struggling to cope with the aftermath of widespread addiction and overdose deaths.
"This sentence sends a strong message that heroin trafficking will not be tolerated in our communities," said a local official. "We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle heroin trafficking operations, and bring those responsible to justice."
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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