Edgewood drug dealer sentenced to 20 years in prison in fatal overdose investigation

EDGEWOOD, MD—A Harford County drug dealer will spend two decades behind bars.

Earlier this month, Ronald Sullivan, 49, of Edgewood, pleaded guilty to drug charges and was sentenced to twenty years in prison, with all but fifteen years suspended. This case also triggered a probation violation in a drug case in 2011 and Sullivan was sentenced to an additional five years to be served consecutively for a total of twenty years of incarceration.

This case stems from an investigation into a fatal overdose that occurred on August 2, 2023. Through the investigation by the Harford County Drug Task Force, it was revealed that the victim had been in contact with Sullivan on night before the overdose, exchanging messages clearly related to a drug. purchase. Sullivan was apprehended and found to be in possession of cocaine at the time of his arrest. Following the arrest, further investigation linked another deceased victim to Sullivan, indicating that she had also purchased illegal substances from him in July 2023, which ultimately led to their deaths.

Assistant State's Attorney Stuart Welch argued that due to the facts and circumstances surrounding this case and given that it involved the deaths of two people, an upward departure from the court's guidelines Maryland sentencing, which was calculated at between four and twelve years, was justified.

“Drug distribution is not a victimless crime,” State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey said after the sentencing. “Too often, members of our communities lose loved ones to the poison that is peddled on our streets by individuals who have no concern for human life or the laws that force us to live. Overdose cases can be incredibly difficult, and I am proud of Assistant District Attorney Welch and his efforts to ensure that the families of these two victims can bring closure to their loss. We will continue to vigorously pursue the maximum charges allowed by law to ensure a strong message is sent to anyone considering selling drugs in our community.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

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