Jock Walker, age 45, of Orleans Parish, was indicted on July 24 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and multiple federal gun charges, according to an announcement by United States Attorney David I. Courcelle on July 31.
The three-count indictment alleges that Walker possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute while in possession of firearms to further his drug trafficking activities. The indictment also charges him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms. According to the indictment, these offenses occurred on or about July 15.
The indictment includes a sentencing enhancement provision due to Walker’s prior conviction for which he served more than twelve months in prison and was released within fifteen years before the current offense. This makes him subject to increased punishment if convicted on Count One.
If convicted of Count One, Walker faces up to thirty years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $2 million, at least six years’ supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For Count Two, he faces five years to life imprisonment imposed consecutively, up to a $250,000 fine, up to five years’ supervised release, and another $100 special assessment fee. On Count Three he could receive up to fifteen years’ imprisonment along with fines and supervised release requirements.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle said, “the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.” The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell from the Violent Crime Unit.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide as part of Operation Take Back America, aims for rapid federal response against violent crime through partnerships among law enforcement agencies at all levels.