Rochester Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Drug and Firearms Case
Feds: Walter H. Bennett was a leader of a drug operation that ran and stored drugs, firearms, and ammunition across the city of Rochester.
A Rochester man has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, and cocaine in the Rochester area and in Augusta, Maine.
Walter H. Bennett, 34, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances, as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa handed down the 192-month sentence.
According to federal prosecutors, Bennett was a leader of a drug operation that ran a distribution site on Woodward Street in Rochester. Investigators found that the group also stored drugs, firearms, and ammunition at residences on Argo Park and Clairmount Street.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered approximately 158 grams of fentanyl, 11 grams of para-fluorofentanyl—a synthetic opioid considered highly lethal—and 580 grams of cocaine. Authorities also seized more than $20,000 in suspected drug proceeds, six firearms (including two stolen guns and a defaced handgun), hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and seven magazines.
Bennett’s sentencing follows convictions and prison terms for three co-defendants involved in the case. Tyrik Edwards was sentenced to 160 months, Ray C. Mack, Jr. received 135 months, and Steven Jackson was sentenced to 48 months.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department, and the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.