PAWNEE COUNTY–A Kansas man was sentenced Thursday on a conviction of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, a severity level 3 drug felony, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.
Mark Larson, 56 of Larned, was originally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of school property, felony drug paraphernalia suitable to distribute a control substance, No Kansas Drug Stamp, Criminal Possession of an Explosive Device and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia suitable to consume a controlled substance.
In February, Larson entered a guilty plea in exchange for the dismissal to the remaining charges.
The charge stems from an investigation following the execution of a search warrant by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department at the Larson's Larned residence on January 23, 2021. Also charged in the investigation were his wife Tammy Lee Smith, 54, and son Trapper Larson, 22.
As part of the plea agreement, Larson had the right to request a probationary sentence with the State reserving the right to oppose said request. Defense counsel argued the Court should grant his request for probation based on the defendant’s recent engagement in substance abuse treatment and ongoing health concerns.
The State requested the defendant be sentenced to the standard 59 month sentence in the custody of the department of corrections and argued the Court should deny the probation request due to the crime occurring within 1000 feet of the Fort Larned Elementary School, and that the co-defendant Trapper Larson received a 48 month prison sentence for his part in the crime. Both father and son are now listed as Registered Kansas Drug Offenders.
After hearing arguments of counsel, District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Larson to a downward departure sentence of 30 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections. He is eligible to earn up to 15% good time credit. The defendant will be subject to 36 months post release and 15 years of registration as a drug offender. Following sentencing he was remanded to the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.