Federal Jury Convicts Colorado Man For Marijuana Conspiracy

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today convicted Gavin Harrill (45, Denver, Colorado) of conspiracy to cultivate and distribute marijuana. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to testimony presented at trial, in late 2010, Harrill sold approximately 900 marijuana plants to a Jacksonville resident for distribution in Jacksonville Beach. The plants, with an approximate value of $1 million, were seized in Colorado grow houses by law enforcement officials prior to being delivered to Florida.

This conspiracy to distribute marijuana involved nine other individuals. They have also been convicted in federal court for their roles in this case. The conspiracy lasted from March 2010 to September 2011, and involved the purchase and transportation of hundreds of pounds of marijuana from California and Colorado to Florida.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay Taylor.