Kentucky Man Charged With Distributing Heroin Resulting In Death
Contact: Public Information Officer
Number: (313) 234-4310
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Winchester, Ky., man, accused of distributing heroin to an individual who died of an overdose, made his first appearance in federal court today. Harold Wayne Salyers, 53, was indicted on June 6 for distribution of heroin resulting in death, conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin.
Magistrate Judge Robert Wier advised Salyers of the charges and scheduled an arraignment for Tuesday, June 18. Salyers remains in custody.
According to the indictment, on August 7, 2012, Salyers distributed heroin to an individual in Clark County who used the heroin, overdosed and died. The indictment also alleges that Salyers conspired with others to distribute heroin in Clark County from approximately August 2012 until June 2013.
Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Robert L. Corso, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA), and Kevin Palmer, Chief, Winchester Police Department, jointly made the announcement today.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the DEA and the Winchester Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury.
If convicted of the distribution resulting in death charge, Salyers faces a minimum prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life. He faces a maximum of 20 years on the other heroin charges. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed after the Court considers the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. -
