U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that a federal jury has convicted Srecko Darnell Walker, 35, from Muskegon, of several drug-related offenses. Walker was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, as well as distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. His sentencing is set for April 9, 2025, where he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and could be sentenced to life.
"Mr. Walker and his associates were trafficking large quantities of drugs into Michigan, which ruin lives and fracture neighborhoods," stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "As part of our mission to keep Michigan safe, we’re focused on disrupting the supply lines that bring these poisons into our communities."
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that in 2021 and 2022, Walker collaborated with Steven Rasic, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier based in Muskegon, to transport kilograms of cocaine from their supplier in Texas, Hugo Benavides. The shipments were sent to vacant addresses along Rasic’s route. Both Rasic and Benavides pleaded guilty before the trial began.
Law enforcement seized five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution in West Michigan during their investigation. In March 2022, two kilograms were confiscated from the mail. Following this seizure, Rasic attempted to retrieve the parcel by falsely claiming he was acting on behalf of the U.S. Postal Service but was actually trying to recover it for Walker.
In October 2022, investigators observed Walker distributing cocaine in Muskegon and later discovered additional evidence at his residence including more cocaine and tools used for its distribution.
The jury also heard Walker's admission to importing cocaine through the mail since 2021 and tracking parcels containing the drug.
“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service...is committed to dismantling drug trafficking organizations that misuse the U.S. Mail,” said Acting Inspector Felicia B. George of the Detroit Division of USPIS.
“The men and women of the DEA Detroit Division remain committed...to make our communities a safer place,” commented Orville Green, Special Agent in Charge of DEA's Detroit Field Division.
The case is being investigated by USPIS, DEA, and MSP's WEMET team with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin J. Hakes and Stephanie M. Carowan.