Monday, August 6, 2018

Three Springfield residents sentenced for roles in heroin conspiracy

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

Three Springfield, Mo., residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Greene and Webster counties.

Demarko Hinkle, 28, Victor Walton, 29, and Kimberly Robinson, 33, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes. Hinkle and Walton were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Robinson was sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison without parole.

Hinkle, Walton and Robinson each have pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin in Greene and Webster counties from Jan. 1, 2012, to Feb. 25, 2016. Hinkle and Walton also have pleaded guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Hinkle and Walton admitted they traveled to St. Louis, Mo., at least three times during the course of the conspiracy and transported back approximately a half ounce (12-14 grams) of heroin each trip. Hinkle was directly involved in the distribution of at least 133 grams of heroin.

Hinkle and Walton also admitted they were in possession of a Dan Wesson Arms .22-caliber revolver and an Armscor of the Philippines .22-caliber rifle on April 28, 2015, during a drug transaction with an undercover law enforcement officer.

Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Robinson’s residence on June 12, 2013, and seized approximately .7 grams of heroin. Robinson admitted that she was selling heroin. On March 28, 2014, officers executed another warrant at two apartments associated with Robinson, where they found a large amount of cash. On Dec. 28, 2014, Robinson was arrested after she was found unresponsive in a public restroom with approximately .14 grams of heroin in her purse. Robinson admitted that she directly distributed or obtained for distribution at least an additional 50 grams or more of heroin during the course of the conspiracy.

Co-defendants Laura Brown, 25, and Brittany Jones, 26, both of Springfield, also have pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and await sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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