Clay County, Illinois Man Sentenced on Drug Related Charges

Ryan T. Harmon, 44, of Xenia, Illinois, was recently sentenced to federal prison on drug related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.

On February 21, 2018, Harmon was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Harmon had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about June 2016, until on or about January 3, 2017, in Clay County and Marion County, within the Southern District of Illinois, and elsewhere, Harmon conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP), in violation of federal law. Count 2 charges that on January 3, 2017, in Marion County, Harmon attempted to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP. Count 3 charges that on December 29, 2016, in Clay County, Harmon possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP.

Alpha-PVP is also known as "Flakka" or "Gravel." It is a dangerous synthetic drug that is similar to the street drug commonly known as "bath salts." Harmon admitted in documents filed with the federal court that he and other co-conspirators would order Alpha-PVP over the internet from China. After the Alpha-PVP arrived in Southern Illinois, Harmon and others would split the Alpha-PVP amongst themselves for use and for further resale.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI).