Pearl Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Conspiracy

Gulfport, Miss. – Howard Lee Walker, 30, of Pearl, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised releas,e for conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith. Walker was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.

On July 6, 2018, Biloxi police responded to a call about a female attempting to pass a $100.00 counterfeit bill at Walmart. When officers arrived, they stopped a van driven by Erica Wooldridge of Jackson. Walker was a passenger in the vehicle. Both individuals had warrants for their arrest. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found a loaded 9mm pistol under the front console and numerous pills. Walker admitted to riding with Wooldridge from Jackson to Biloxi to sell the pills. Wooldridge and Walker thought they were selling Percocet or Oxycodone. However, after testing, analysts determined the pills actually contained 295 grams of heroin.

Walker pled guilty on December 4, 2018. Wooldridge was sentenced on January 14, 2019, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $7,500.00.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.