Providence Man With Lengthy Criminal History Sentenced For Trafficking Meth, Fentanyl

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man with a lengthy criminal record was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison for trafficking more than a pound of methamphetamine and more than 60 grams of fentanyl.

John Walker, 61, pleaded guilty on June 12, 2023, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He must serve five years of federal probation following his prison sentence.

In March 2022, Rhode Island DEA agents investigating Walker witnessed him provide someone a sample of meth. When DEA agents approached Walker, he admitted he had more meth on him and had drugs stored at a drug den that he frequently visited, according to prosecutors.

Authorities seized 59 grams of meth and more than $5,900 in cash from Walker. Prosecutors said DEA agents also seized 449 grams of methamphetamine and 64 grams of fentanyl stashed by Walker at a drug den in Providence.

Prosecutors said Walker's lengthy criminal history includes more than a dozen convictions for a wide variety of offenses, including breaking and entering, drug trafficking, domestic violence, forgery and counterfeiting, larceny, armed bank robbery, and carrying a concealed weapon.

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