Herion Trafficker Sentenced To Prison

BATON ROUGE, LA - United States Attorney Walt Green announced the results of another federal prosecution relating to a multi-state heroin trafficking ring. On August 24, 2016, Chief U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced DARYL WALKER, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve 5 years in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. WALKER was also ordered to forfeit $72,000 in drug-trafficking-related proceeds. On March 29, 2016, WALKER pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 841, and possession of an illegal firearm, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861.

U.S. Attorney Green stated: “My office, together with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue our work to eliminate to eliminate drug trafficking and possession of illegal firearms. In particular, our collaborative law effort has stayed the course in pursuing heroin traffickers who are directly responsible for the significant harmful effects on our community resulting from such distribution. I note that the heroin-trafficking ring, of which Walker was a willing participant, not only exposed the community to the horrific effects of heroin, but also the significant risk associated with disguising heroin as a prescription medication – a practice that has already been identified as resulting in greatly increased overdose deaths throughout the nation.  I sincerely appreciate the hardworking team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that allowed for the successful identification, arrest, and conviction of this heroin dealer.”

“The abuse of heroin and prescription drugs is a serious problem in our communities.  All too often, this abuse leads to addiction, shattered lives, and even death. For the health and safety of our citizens, DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to target those who illegally obtain and distribute these potentially dangerous drugs. This sentencing confirms that we will stand firmly to ensure that criminals who peddle in these poisons and wreak havoc in our communities will never escape from facing the consequences of their criminal activities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Baton Rouge Office and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Baton Rouge Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.