A New York man has been sentenced to 186 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization in Mercer County, West Virginia. James Walker, 43, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, oxymorphone, oxycodone, and hydromorphone.
The investigation, known as Operation X-Nation, revealed that Walker worked with other members of the organization to distribute prescription pills and cocaine in and around Mercer County between August 2017 and August 31, 2019.
Walker would facilitate drug transactions with confidential informants working with law enforcement, directing them to meet with other members of the organization to purchase the drugs. Agents also intercepted telephone calls between Walker and other members of the organization, discussing drug transactions and pricing.
Walker was arrested in New York in August 2019 after law enforcement intercepted calls between him and other members of the organization. At the time of his arrest, Walker was found in possession of approximately 1,500 prescription pills.
Walker was also arrested in Princeton, West Virginia, on January 10, 2020, after law enforcement discovered a hidden mechanical trap in the vehicle he was driving, used to transport controlled substances.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. Walker also forfeited $150,000 in proceeds generated from his drug trafficking activity.
Related Federal Cases
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- Bertram, Crack Cocaine Smuggling, West Virginia 2023 · West Virginia
- Levon Williams, Cocaine Sales, West Virginia 2018 · New York
- Mario Urbina, Cocaine Conspiracy, West Virginia 2023 · New York
- Jamie Green, Cocaine Conspiracy, West Virginia 2024 · New York
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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