HARRISBURG, PA — Larry Thomas, 30, has been handed a hefty sentence of 12 ½ to 25 years in the slammer. His crime? Trafficking deadly narcotics including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine from Philadelphia to Centre County.
The gavel came down hard on Thomas in the Centre County Court on Monday. He had previously pleaded guilty to a slew of six felony charges. These included delivery of a controlled substance, two counts of possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy to deliver controlled substances, corrupt organizations, and criminal use of a communication facility.
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the sentencing, revealing that a thorough investigation by her office had exposed Thomas as the mastermind behind a major drug trafficking operation stretching from Philadelphia to Centre County.
Henry didn’t mince words when condemning Thomas, stating, “This defendant directed a network of co-conspirators to distribute poisons in the State College area — even continuing to pull the strings while he was incarcerated.” She continued, “These addictive substances take lives and destroy communities. Thanks to the hard work of our office, our law enforcement partners, and the members of the Grand Jury, this man is being held accountable for his crimes.”
A Grand Jury investigation into Thomas and his illicit activities painted a grim picture of his operations. From mid-2021 to early 2023, his organization trafficked fentanyl and other controlled substances from Philadelphia to be sold and distributed in Centre County. The jury heard testimony that Thomas’ drug ring was moving up to a pound of methamphetamine — sometimes more — each month.
When the law finally caught up with Thomas, a search of his house yielded a significant haul. Officers seized more than a pound of methamphetamine, along with fentanyl and other drugs.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Michael Madeira led the prosecution in this case. The conviction of Larry Thomas is a significant victory in Pennsylvania’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its devastating impact on communities.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.