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Cocaine and Heroin Trafficker Pleads Guilty
A major cocaine and heroin trafficker has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, agreeing to forfeit $2.5 million in assets. Ronald Walker, 43, of Corona, N.Y., entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000.00, or both. Walker’s guilty plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rochester Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank H. Sherman, Walker participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin between 2005 and August 2012. During that time, Walker arranged for the distribution of quantities of cocaine and heroin, which were transported to Rochester and distributed. At least 40 kilograms of cocaine and a kilogram of heroin were involved in this conduct.
Walker also laundered drug proceeds by placing at least $911,000 in cash in safe deposit boxes opened by other individuals to conceal the proceeds. In August 2012, law enforcement officials seized the cash from these safe deposit boxes, as well as approximately $615,000 in cash from two residences connected to Walker.
The defendant agreed to forfeit all of that cash, as well as a 2012 Range Rover vehicle, articles of jewelry and two properties located in Corona, N.Y., and Union City, Georgia, all proceeds of his illegal activities.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci. The plea agreement is a significant blow to the cocaine and heroin trafficking network in the Rochester area, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in these illicit activities.
The investigation was led by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Brian R. Crowell, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Division, investigators with the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Sheppard, and Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Toni Weirauch, New York Field Office.
Walker’s guilty plea is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement officials in combating cocaine and heroin trafficking in the Rochester area.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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