U.S. Attorney: Kalamazoo man sentenced for meth trafficking

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Kalamazoo man will spend years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.

Rocky Parker, 48, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the office announced Wednesday in a release. He had “a significant number” of previous felony convictions, according to the release.

“I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their investigative work on this case,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said in a statement. “My office will remain focused on disrupting the supply lines that bring drugs into our communities and destroy so many lives.”

Court docs: Man threw 1,300 grams of meth out of car

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says the Drug Enforcement Administration and Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team started investigating Parker after receiving a series of tips that he was dealing meth. The investigation produced 1.4 kilograms of meth across six purchases, the office says.

Investigators learned Parker traveled out of the state over the summer to meet with suppliers, then shipped drugs back to Kalamazoo, according to the release. The attorney’s office says investigators intercepted a package meant for Parker and found 1.3 kilograms of meth.

Then, in late July, investigators believed Parker was making another trip to obtain more meth. As he was returning to Michigan on Aug. 1, police stopped him in Berrien County, according to the release.

As Parker stopped his vehicle, he threw a black duffle bag out the window, according to the attorney’s office. The office says the bag contained another 1.3 kilograms of meth.

Parker was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in August, and he pleaded guilty in September, according to the release.

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