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SALT LAKE CITY — A Fort Duchesne man was sentenced on Tuesday to 65 additional months in a federal prison for distributing narcotics, an action which he admitted led to his girlfriend's fatal drug overdose.
Larry Gardner, 35, said as part of a plea agreement that on Feb. 3, 2019, his girlfriend overdosed when using a combination of heroin and methamphetamine he had given her. Gardner was also charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition despite having been previously convicted of a felony.
"This case highlights the tragic consequences of the meth and opioid epidemic that is far-reaching in our country and here in Utah," said Dennis Rice of the Salt Lake City FBI. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to doing our part to curb this crisis. When someone dies as a result of your actions, and if you illegally possess firearms, you will be held accountable."
Gardner has already served 19 months in custody since the charges were filed against him, and will be in custody for seven years following his sentence.
A press release from the Utah district of the Department of Justice said that the case against Gardner was prosecuted by the Utah U.S. Attorney's Office and investigated by the Uintah County Sheriff's Office and FBI special agents.
"We hope that today's sentence is a reminder to the community and narcotics dealers alike that distributing dangerous and illegal narcotics is not a victimless crime," Acting United States Attorney Andrea T. Martinez said.
