MADISON, WIS. – Yoshi R. Walker, a 26-year-old from New Brighton, Minnesota, has been sentenced to 6 years in federal prison for attempting to distribute a significant quantity of fentanyl. The sentencing, held yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson, also includes 3 years of supervised release following his prison term. Walker pleaded guilty to the charge on April 12.
This case highlights a major drug trafficking operation that has imported over 4 kilograms of fentanyl pills into Madison from Arizona. The investigation into this ring began in January 2022 after the interception of two mail packages containing a total of nearly 40,000 fentanyl pills. Law enforcement’s undercover operations from March to October 2022 led to multiple drug purchases from this organization.
Walker was pinpointed in early October as a significant out-of-state supplier. His involvement became clear when a package he mailed from Arizona was intercepted by U.S. Postal inspectors on October 18, 2022, containing 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl pills. Walker had discussions with the local organization’s leader, Lloyd McKire-Bennett, about the intercepted shipment.
During Walker’s sentencing, Judge Peterson emphasized the severity of the offense due to the large amounts of dangerous drugs involved. Walker was identified as a key supplier to the drug trafficking ring, which continued to distribute the fentanyl within the community.
Three of Walker’s co-defendants have also faced sentencing. Dejon C. Glover received a 4 ½ year sentence on May 16; Lloyd M. McKire-Bennett was sentenced on May 17 to over 13 ½ years for his leadership role in the operation and related firearms offenses; Deshawn P. Davis was sentenced to 5 ½ years on May 22. Additional members of the organization, Jessica E. Leyvas and Christopher S. Wilson, have pleaded guilty, with Wilson’s sentencing scheduled for July 29 and Leyvas’ date pending.
