Willie David Lark, 53, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan announced on April 4.
U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker imposed the sentence, citing Lark’s “crimes of escalating seriousness,” which date back to drug-related convictions in the 1990s. Lark had previously served a 20-year sentence in state prison for assault with intent to murder. After his release, Lark returned to drug trafficking, continuing his illegal activities.
Court documents revealed that a search warrant executed at Lark’s home uncovered a safe containing 188 grams of pure methamphetamine, more than 100 grams of a fentanyl-xylazine mixture, 70 grams of cocaine, and 31 grams of crack cocaine. Investigators also discovered additional evidence indicating that Lark intended to sell these drugs.
Weeks later, when police attempted to arrest him, they found Lark in possession of additional fentanyl, cocaine, and crack. Lark was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of possession with intent to distribute. In December 2024, a jury convicted him on both charges.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton of the DEA remarked, “Multiple offenders, such as Willie Lark, willingly put lives at risk throughout Michigan and, more specifically, Berrien County. The men and women of the DEA will continue to bring drug traffickers like him to justice to keep our communities safe.”
