A Long Beach, California resident has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in methamphetamine trafficking. Derrick Polk, 62, received the sentence from United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on September 24, 2025. After serving his prison term, Polk will also be subject to five years of supervised release.
Polk was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition to the prison sentence, he must forfeit $399,000 in U.S. currency, a firearm, and various Rolex watches and jewelry valued at over $150,000.
Court records show that between April 2019 and July 2021 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Polk conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a methamphetamine mixture. In April 2021, he was found possessing with intent to distribute similar quantities of the drug. Authorities intercepted Polk through a federal wiretap as he obtained drugs for distribution.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon.
Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti acknowledged several agencies for their work on the investigation: “Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Polk.” He also noted participation from multiple other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at targeting high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations using coordinated efforts among various law enforcement bodies.
