Lake County Man Sentenced To More Than 11 Years For Methamphetamine Distribution

Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced James Adelbert Walker, II (43, Leesburg) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Walker had pleaded guilty on February 5, 2019.

According to court documents, in November 2018, agents with Homeland Security Investigations identified Walker as a distributor of large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Lake County, Florida. Working with a confidential source, agents intercepted an inbound parcel containing four kilograms of methamphetamine intended for Walker. The source then placed a series of recorded telephone calls to Walker in which Walker described his role in distributing “5-10 kilograms [of methamphetamine] per week” over the previous year. Subsequently, Walker was arrested when he attempted to purchase four kilograms of methamphetamine directly from undercover agents. Afterwards, a search of Walker’s residence revealed a firearm, ammunition, numerous packages of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine that was intended for distribution.  

“This investigation disrupted a money laundering and drug trafficking organization,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “Thanks to HSI and our law enforcement partners, including the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, the Lake County and Sumter County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Winter Park and Orlando Police Departments we have stopped dangerous drugs from hitting the streets of our communities.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Winter Park Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.