JACKSONVILLE, Fla — NOTE: Video above is from 2021 story on this case
A Jacksonville married couple who authorities said trafficked drugs out of “trap” houses over three years have been sentenced to federal prison.
Kimberly Michelle Claridy Walker, 46, and Neal Merrell Walker, 51, were each sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to a release from the Department of Justice.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The Walkers were also ordered to forfeit:
- More than $167,000 in cash
- .38 caliber pistol
- 2015 BMW 5501
- 2015 Lexus IS 250
- 2013 Audi AS L Quattro
- 2020 Ryker Rally Edition motorcycle
- Other items, such as Rolex watches, gold and diamond jewelry, and designer clothing and shoes
Each week, the Walkers sold kilogram quantities of drugs such as “flakka” out of “trap” houses in Jacksonville from about July 2018 through April 2021, the DOJ said.
They employed sellers who worked at the trap house, usually three a day; the trap house was almost always staffed by at least one seller 24 hours a day, the DOJ said.
RELATED: 8 indicted for trafficking ecstasy out of a Jacksonville ‘trap house,’ say federal investigators
The Walkers, with the help of co-defendants, laundered about $120,000 in April 2019, July 2019 and January 2020. They made numerous cash deposits of less than $10,000 and then obtained cashier’s checks to buy six Jacksonville properties, five through Duval County tax deed auctions.
When their home was raided on April 13, 2021, law enforcement found:
- More than $148,000 in cash
- Approximately two kilograms of synthetic narcotics
- Drug packaging material
- Digital scales
- A .38 caliber pistol under the mattress in the Walkers’ bedroom
- Numerous luxury items
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Ten other members of the organization were also sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy, as follows:
| Name | Age | Role | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Antonio Peterson | 37 | Supplier | 7 years, 11 months |
| David Lee Geathers | 26 | Seller | 6 years, 8 months |
| Mar’Quez Maurice Mickler | 22 | Seller | 5 years, 6 months |
| Ramone Lazai Astin | 37 | Seller | 5 years |
| Eugene Antwonn Farmer | 25 | Seller | 4 years, 2 months |
| Alfred Eugene Bell | 38 | Seller | 3 years, 4 months |
| Michael Shaquille Lee | 25 | Seller | 3 years, 4 months |
| Antwan Le’Queze Major | 25 | Seller | 4 years’ probation |
| Porschee Laneal Walker | 30 | Bagger/Transporter | 4 years’ probation |
| Brandiesa Tylese Williams | 26 | Bagger/Transporter | 4 years’ probation |
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Geathers and Williams were ordered to forfeit more than $18,000 and four firearms that were seized during a search of their apartment. Bell was ordered to forfeit $5,654 seized from him when he was arrested, the DOJ said.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.