Cedar Rapids man will get life in heroin overdose case

CEDAR RAPIDS - A man who distributed heroin, resulting in an overdose death earlier this year, was convicted Thursday after a four-day trial in U.S. District Court.

Samuel Ford, 35, of Cedar Rapids, was convicted of two counts of distribution of controlled substances. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Evidence at trial showed that during 2010 and 2011, Ford distributed heroin and crack cocaine from a residence within 1,000 feet of Polk Elementary School and Coe College. He distributed heroin from that residence Feb. 19, which contributed to a victim's overdose death after injecting the heroin.

Ford distributed heroin and crack cocaine to an undercover agent Feb. 23 at a bar in Cedar Rapids, and heroin was found in Ford's coat when he was arrested March 3.

Ford was previously convicted in Cook County, Ill., for 10 felony drug offenses, including six convictions for delivery of cocaine.