Accused CLE Drug Trafficker Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man found guilty of possessing heroin and carfentanil was sentenced to more than two decades in prison this month.

Lawrence Dunbar, 28, from Cleveland, was convicted at trial of possessing multiple controlled substances with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He was sentenced Thursday to more than 20 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent.

“This sentence is reflective of what happens when a life is spent dedicated to drug trafficking and violence,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle M. Baeppler. “This sentence serves an example that felons who possess firearms and sell drugs in our communities will face consequences for their actions.”

In July 2019, court documents said, law enforcement arrested Dunbar at his apartment in Cleveland. They found "large quantities" of carfentanil, heroin and cocaine, along with a loaded semiautomatic pistol in the apartment, prosecutors said.

Dunbar was barred from owning a gun due to his previous convictions for drug trafficking, robbery and attempted felonious assault, prosecutors said.