A Muskegon man has been found guilty of orchestrating a cocaine distribution network that channeled large quantities of the drug into Michigan communities. Srecko Darnell Walker, age 35, was convicted by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distribution, and possession with the intent to distribute, which could result in a minimum mandatory 15-year prison sentence—up to a life term. According to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Walker's sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou.
The case, unfolding over several years, involved Walker coordinating with a local mail carrier, Steven Rasic, and Texas-based supplier Hugo Benavides to use the U.S. Postal Service's infrastructure for their illicit purposes. According to evidence presented during the trial, Rasic, who has pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and is awaiting sentencing, manipulated his position to intercept cocaine shipments sent to vacant addresses on his delivery route. In their pursuit of justice, law enforcement agents captured five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution within West Michigan. In one notable incident in March 2022, Rasic attempted, but failed to retrieve a seized parcel with two kilograms of cocaine—later it was discovered he had been acting on Walker’s behalf.
The investigation revealed multiple layers of the trafficking operation, including Walker's distribution activities, such as the transaction witnessed by investigators in October 2022, leading to the discovery of more drugs and paraphernalia in his residence. Walker's admission post-arrest shed additional light on the scope of his drug dealings; according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, his first kilogram sale occurred sometime in 2021 and he had actively tracked mailed parcels containing cocaine—one holding over a kilogram.
Law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Michigan State Police West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET), were integral in the case's progression. "Our inspectors will aggressively pursue individuals like Walker, who recruit U.S. Postal Service employees to exploit their trusted positions in the distribution of dangerous drugs within our communities," said Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia B. George of the Detroit Division of the USPIS, the operation reflects a committed stance against drug traffickers who blatantly compromise public systems for their criminal enterprises. Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Division, Orville Green emphasized this commitment, stating, "Individuals like Mr. Walker who are distributing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine into our communities must be held accountable for their actions," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin J. Hakes and Stephanie M. Carowan, as part of a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle the flow of narcotics. This initiative is a key part of the U.S. Attorney's Office's ongoing mission to protect Michigan communities from the harm caused by drug trafficking.
