Dameon Lattimore, Heroin Distribution, New York 2024

HARRISBURG, PA – A shocking case of heroin distribution has landed a New York man in hot water. Dameon Lattimore, 39, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and crack cocaine that ultimately claimed the life of a York City man.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Lattimore was charged alongside codefendants Yushonda Durant, 40, of New York, and Frederick Gladfelter, 46, of York, by a grand jury in Harrisburg in December 2015.

Gladfelter maintains his innocence and awaits trial, while Durant remains a fugitive. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, the York City Police Department, and the York County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Behe led the investigation, which is part of a broader initiative to combat the heroin epidemic in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This coordinated effort involves federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

A guilty verdict comes with severe consequences. Lattimore faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under federal law, with a mandatory minimum 20-year term for causing death from drug distribution. The sentence will be determined by U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, following a review of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

These guidelines take into account various factors, including the nature of the offense, the defendant’s history and characteristics, and the need to punish, protect the public, and provide for the defendant’s needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that the sentence is tailored to the specific circumstances of the case.

The heroin initiative has made significant strides in targeting heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. By working together, law enforcement agencies aim to dismantle these networks and prevent further harm to the community.

A sentence has not yet been imposed on Lattimore, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of heroin distribution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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