Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James Demands Senate KOSA, New York NY, 2024 · Arizona
- Letitia James Launches Legal Observation Project to Monitor NY ICE,… · Minnesota
- Letitia James Establishes Immigration Monitoring Unit, New York NY,… · Minnesota
- Letitia James Blocks $10B Cut to Childcare Support Programs, New Yo… · Illinois
- Letitia James Halted SNAP Benefit Cuts, New York NY, 2023 · Minnesota
Defendant Gets 17.5 Years in Prison for Synthetic Drug Conspiracy
A 57-year-old man from Minnesota has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute synthetic drugs. James Carlson, the former owner of Last Place on Earth, was convicted alongside 34-year-old Lava Haugen after a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.
According to U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, Carlson and Haugen conspired to obtain and sell synthetic drugs, which were misbranded as incense, potpourri, bath salts, and other products. The items were marketed under names like "No Name," "Smoking Dragon," and "Role-X Watch Cleaner," among others.
The synthetic drugs were found to be just as dangerous as traditional illicit drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, and their effects were often more unpredictable, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Surya Saxena. "The Court’s sentence, and the jury verdicts in this case, should confirm once and for all that synthetic drugs are illegal, and that they always have been illegal under both the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Controlled Substances Analogue Enforcement Act," Saxena added.
U.S. Attorney Andy Luger emphasized that synthetic drugs create health and safety dangers for individuals, their families, and their communities. "Residents, medical personnel, and law enforcement officials in Duluth know this all too well," Luger said. "Moreover, these drugs are illegal, and those who sell them should expect to be prosecuted."
The sentencing demonstrates the commitment of federal law enforcement to putting an end to the criminal behavior of those who prey on others for their personal financial gain, said Kelly R. Jackson, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Office.
John J. Redmond, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, which includes Minnesota, commended the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners for their collaborative efforts in pursuing the matter. Haugen was sentenced to 5 years in prison, while Carlson received the longer sentence.
As proven at trial, Carlson and Haugen conspired to obtain and sell synthetic drugs, which were misbranded as incense, potpourri, bath salts, exotic skin treatments, glass cleaner, and watch cleaner. The items were marketed under names like "No Name," "Smoking Dragon," "Role-X Watch Cleaner," and "Binger," among others. The synthetic drugs were found to be just as dangerous as traditional illicit drugs and their effects were often more unpredictable.
The case serves as a deterrent to others who choose to put the public’s health at risk, said Redmond. "We commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedicated collaborative efforts in pursuing this matter," he added.
Jack Riley, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division, which includes Minnesota, emphasized that the sentence should send a message to those involved in the distribution of synthetic drugs. "Today’s sentence should send a message to those involved in the distribution of synthetic drugs. And I hope they hear that message loud and clear; those who sell these dangerous drugs in our communities and hope to avoid detection by mislabeling and misrepresenting their intended use will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Riley said.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
