KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Walter Deandre Sorrells, a 39-year-old Blue Springs man, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without parole for his role in a conspiracy to distribute PCP and a money-laundering conspiracy.
According to federal court documents, Sorrells, also known as “Juice,” “Waterboy,” and “Walt,” pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of PCP from January 1, 2007, to March 13, 2013, as well as a conspiracy to conduct financial transactions that involved the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.
Co-defendant Stephon Donte Williams, 32, of Lynwood, Calif., supplied Sorrells with PCP and was sentenced to 20 years and two months in federal prison without parole. Sorrells admitted to purchasing large quantities of PCP from Williams and re-selling it in smaller quantities in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Thirteen controlled drug purchases, totaling well in excess of one kilogram of PCP, were made directly with Sorrells. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades and was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Sorrells and Williams are among 20 defendants charged in the indictment, all of whom have either been convicted at trial or pleaded guilty. The indictment revealed that at least 10 law enforcement-controlled purchases of PCP, cocaine, and crack cocaine were conducted with at least five of the defendants.
At least 10 arrests or searches of co-conspirators occurred where PCP, cocaine, or crack was recovered, the indictment says, and on multiple occasions during the conspiracy, defendants were found in possession of hundreds or thousands of dollars in cash, with no known legitimate income.
All of the co-defendants are severally and jointly liable to forfeit to the government $814,000, which was received in exchange for the unlawful distribution of PCP, cocaine, or crack cocaine. The indictment estimates that this amount is based on a conservative street price of $200 per ounce of PCP (3,099 ounces distributed), $1,000 per ounce of cocaine (129 ounces distributed), and $1,100 per ounce of crack cocaine (60 ounces distributed).
The case highlights the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in prosecuting these crimes.
Sorrells’ sentencing is a significant blow to the city’s PCP trade, and it serves as a warning to those involved in similar activities.
In a statement, U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays emphasized the severity of the crimes and the need for harsh penalties to deter future offenders.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News