Evergreen Reporter

A Muskegon man, Srecko Darnell Walker, has been sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for his role in a cocaine distribution operation. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Andrew Birge, announced the sentence, delivered by Chief United States District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou. At the sentencing, Judge Jarbou pointed out Walker's extensive history of criminal activity, including seven drug-related offenses. Addressing Walker, the Judge stated, “You’ve spent most of your life lying. You’ve spent most of your life committing crimes... You have earned the sentence that you’re going to get.”

Walker received a 30-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Additionally, he was sentenced to a consecutive 2-year term for violations during supervised release after a previous cocaine trafficking conviction.

The investigation, covering the years 2021 and 2022, found that Walker conspired with Steven Rasic, a Muskegon-based U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, and Texas-based supplier Hugo Benavides. The operation involved mailing kilograms of cocaine from Texas to vacant addresses on Rasic’s route. Both Rasic and Benavides admitted their involvement and were sentenced separately.

During the trial, evidence was presented that law enforcement intercepted five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution in West Michigan. Investigators seized two kilograms in March 2022, after which Rasic made attempts to retrieve the parcel, falsely claiming he acted on behalf of the Postal Service. Subsequent investigations revealed Walker distributing cocaine in Muskegon and possessing drug paraphernalia.

Walker confessed to importing cocaine through the mail and tracking shipments, admitting to beginning distribution in 2021.

Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General commended the collaborative efforts of USPS OIG, Postal Inspectors, and the DEA, stating, "The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees."

Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick from the Detroit Division emphasized the severity of the sentence as a deterrent to those misusing the mail system for drug trafficking. "We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will seek to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," he warned.

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton highlighted the success of the collaborative effort, saying, "This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration between agencies to ensure justice is served and our communities are protected."

This investigation was undertaken by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Michigan State Police West Michigan Enforcement Team. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin J. Hakes and Stephanie M. Carowan.