Willie David Lark, a 53-year-old resident of Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug-related offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge announced this verdict, highlighting Lark's intent to distribute significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base.
Lark, who previously spent over two decades in state prison for assault with intent to murder, resumed drug trafficking activities upon release. When authorities searched his home, they discovered over 188 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 100 grams of fentanyl mixed with xylazine, over 70 grams of cocaine, and over 31 grams of cocaine base. Evidence indicated an intent to distribute these substances. During his arrest, Lark was also found with additional fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
He was charged with two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and was found guilty by a jury in December 2024.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton of the DEA remarked, “Multiple offenders, such as Willie Lark, willingly put lives at risk throughout Michigan and, more specifically, Berrien County.” He emphasized the DEA's commitment to bringing such traffickers to justice.
The Centers for Disease Control reported a high number of drug poisoning deaths across the U.S., with fentanyl being a major contributor. In 2023, Michigan saw 2,931 drug poisoning deaths. While 2024 showed a decline, the numbers are still significant.
Several support services are available for those affected by addiction, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline and local organizations providing harm reduction services.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Michigan State Police, and Berrien County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case under the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, aimed at targeting major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.