DETROIT — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Michigan, Eastern), published as received.

DETROIT – A Detroit man, who has five prior felony convictions, including for murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two drug trafficking offenses, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison today as an Armed Career Criminal for his illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.   

Ison was joined in the announcement by Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division.

Eric T. Walker, 46, had previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Gershwin A. Drain.

According to court records, after receiving Crime Stoppers complaints that Walker was selling drugs from his home, and that one person nearly overdosed after buying his drugs, the Detroit Police Department executed a search warrant at his home. DPD recovered 136 grams of cocaine, 23.5 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, 672 grams of marijuana, 93 oxycodone pills, 4.5 amphetamine pills, scales, drug packaging materials, and over $8,000 in cash.  Officers also recovered a 9mm semiautomatic pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition.  Walker was arrested at his home, and the case was adopted for federal prosecution.    

“Taking any and all violent offenders, including armed drug dealers, off our streets is a top priority of my office.  Today’s sentence reflects my commitment to aggressively prosecute violent offenders of all kinds to make our neighborhoods safer for law abiding citizens. The citizens responsible for working to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood by reporting Walker’s conduct to Crime Stoppers should be commended,” U.S. Attorney Ison said.

“Mr. Walker continued his criminal activities despite being a convicted felon. While his lengthy sentence has removed a dangerous person from the neighborhood, it should also send a strong message to anyone who chooses to terrorize our communities with violence and illicit drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Orville.                                                                                                

This case was investigated by the DEA.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran.