Wilson City Drug Trafficker Found Guilty Of Heroin Distribution That Resulted In A Death

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that in federal court in New Bern, N.C., United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan presiding, a jury found ELTON WAYNE WALSTON, from Wilson, North Carolina, guilty of one count of distribution of heroin that resulted in the death of a Wilson, N.C. man, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, and four counts of distribution of heroin.

In 2015, the Wilson Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Raleigh, North Carolina, identified the defendant as a source of heroin in the Wilson, Greenville, and Nash County areas. Investigation confirmed that the defendant sold heroin on multiple occasions including a sale that led to the death of a Wilson man in March of 2015.

“Heroin and other opioids are a deadly plague across our country. Our office - along with the entire U.S. Department of Justice - is determined to hold accountable those who deal these deadly drugs to enrich themselves.  This prosecution is an example of that determination,” said John Stuart Bruce, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

“This guilty verdict is a victory for law enforcement and the citizens of North Carolina. DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing to justice those who prey on individuals who are unfortunately addicted to this poison. Hopefully, this verdict, will bring some comfort to the families impacted by Mr. Walston’s illegal activities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel R. Salter.

The case was investigated by the DEA Raleigh Resident Office, Wilson Police Department, North Carolina State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The federal prosecution was handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Boz Zellinger and Assistant United States Attorney Edward D. Gray.

This investigation was part of the Strategic Heroin Initiative, initiated by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina in partnership with the Department of Justice's Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force.