BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Feb. 27 Update:
A Roanoke man involved in a large drug campaign has admitted to aiding in a robbery that led to the death of a drug supplier in Federal Court on Wednesday.
22-year-old Garrett Williams pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. Previously, his co-defendant, Joseph Walker, pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
While Williams was not physically around at the time of the murder, he admitted to planning to rob the supplier by force.
Update:
A Roanoke man, who robbed, shot and killed his drug supplier then later burned the body to conceal his crimes pled guilty in Federal Court Thursday.
Joseph Walker pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of possessing, brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence, he faces up to 35 years in prison.
According to the District Attorney’s Office Garrett Williams has been indicted and is pending trial.
“This multiyear investigation and subsequent guilty plea reflect the diligent and collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies committed to safeguarding our communities. Gun violence and drug trafficking have no place in our neighborhoods, and FBI Richmond is proud to work alongside our Safe Streets Task Force partners to hold accountable those who seek to undermine the safety and security of our citizens,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division.
“The Virginia State Police is committed to bringing violent offenders to justice. Our special agents work tirelessly with our federal and local partners every day to make Virginia a safer place to live,” said Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Hanley, Interim Superintendent of Virginia State Police. ”This judicial outcome is a victory for the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
Original Story:
Two suspected drug traffickers are now facing federal charges in connection with a murder from last year.
It’s believed that in April 2023, 30-year-old Joseph Walker and 21-year-old Garret Williams, both from Lynchburg, arranged a final marijuana delivery from a 20-year-old in Pennsylvania, where they planned to rob him instead of paying a $40,000 debt.
On April 17, 2023, the victim, identified as Ethan Bert from York, Pennsylvania, traveled to Walker’s house in Southwest Roanoke. Investigators say when he arrived, Walker shot Bert twice in the head, stole the marijuana, and then put his body in the trunk of a car and drove to a rural road in Bedford County, where he set it on fire to get rid of the evidence.
Last week, a grand jury accused Walker of conspiring to traffic marijuana, committing robbery and conspiring to commit robbery. In addition to this, Walker has been charged with discharging a firearm to further the drug trafficking and robbery, possessing firearms as a prohibited person and committing arson.
Authorities previously told 10 News that Walker had an extensive criminal history, which includes distribution of marijuana, distribution of marijuana while in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
A man from Goodview, Jonathan Bell, is also charged and is facing an accessory after-the-fact homicide charge in connection with the case.
“Our dedication to protecting the public from violent offenders in collaboration with our partners is unwavering. We will continue to work together to make our communities safer,” FBI Richmond Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador said. “This indictment highlights the steadfast commitment of federal, state, and local partners to hold violent criminals accountable.”
“These two arrests are the result of the exceptional and relentless investigative work of law enforcement from a myriad of agencies,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Within 48 hours, our special agents had identified Walker and Williams as the murder suspects and had state charges placed thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the US Marshals Service, FBI, Roanoke City Police, Roanoke County Police, the Bedford County and Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorneys, and Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.”