U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross has announced that Walter H. Bennett, a 34-year-old resident of Rochester, New York, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison. Bennett was convicted on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms possession. U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa handed down the sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey stated that Bennett, a two-time felon, led a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl (a dangerous fentanyl analogue), and cocaine in Rochester and Augusta, Maine. The group operated out of a drug house on Woodward Street in Rochester and used other locations to store drugs and weapons.

During the investigation by law enforcement agencies, significant quantities of illegal substances were recovered: approximately 158 grams of fentanyl, 11 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, and 580 grams of cocaine. Additionally, more than $20,000 in drug proceeds were seized along with six firearms—two of which were stolen—and various ammunition and magazines.

Co-defendants Tyrik Edwards received a sentence of 160 months in prison; Ray C. Mack Jr., 135 months; and Steven Jackson was sentenced to 48 months.

The investigation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Todd Baxter; as well as the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team directed by Chief David M. Smith.