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).
