Montgomery County Man Facing Federal Indictment for Distribtuion of Acetyl Fentanyl Resulting in Death

Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Justin Larson, age 30, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, today for distribution of acetyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue, which resulted in death, and for a narcotics conspiracy.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

According to the two count indictment, from May 2014 through March 17, 2016, Larson participated in a conspiracy to distribute acetyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue.  The indictment alleges that on May 9, 2014, Larson distributed acetyl fentanyl to an individual, resulting in the death of that individual.

Larson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison for distribution of acetyl fentanyl with death resulting; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for a narcotics conspiracy.  No court appearance is currently scheduled.  Larson remains detained on related federal charges. 

An indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. 

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised HSI Baltimore, the Montgomery County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution.  Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting the case.