Penn Hills Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fentanyl

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Herbert Lee Walker, 27, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 25, 2019, detectives with the Allegheny County Homicide Unit went to the residence Walker shared with his paramour. During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, investigators recovered approximately 139 bricks, or nearly 7,000 stamp bags, of heroin and fentanyl, from a suitcase that had Walker’s name on it, and paperwork for Walker inside of it. Investigators also recovered approximately $12,000 in cash, a firearm, and ammunition from the basement. A state arrest warrant was issued for Walker. On February 13, 2020, Pittsburgh Police officers attempted to arrest Walker in connection with that warrant on Baum Boulevard. Walker fled in a vehicle, striking two marked police cars and driving the wrong way down a one-way street at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for July 20, 2022, at 10:30 AM The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Allegheny County Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Walker.