DESOTO COUNTY – A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl in DeSoto County, according to the DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors said Michael Walker was sentenced to 15 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
The sentencing concludes a major narcotics case that began with an investigation by the Southaven Police Department. Authorities said the investigation led to the seizure of thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills.
Investigators recovered about 4,387 lethal doses of fentanyl, according to prosecutors. The pills were made to look like legitimate prescription oxycodone tablets and had “M 30” markings, making them difficult to distinguish from authentic medication.
“There is no place in DeSoto County for fentanyl or the people who deal it,” Assistant District Attorney Gordon Shaw said. “Criminals who bring these deadly drugs into our communities will face serious consequences.”
Walker was prosecuted alongside co-defendant Richard Vaught, who previously pleaded guilty. Vaught was also sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal. Officials said removing thousands of potentially lethal doses from circulation is a significant step in combating the spread of fentanyl in DeSoto County.
The case was investigated by Southaven police and prosecuted by Shaw.
