On April 11th, 2016 at approximately 1835 hours Ofc. C. Lopez of the Burlington Police conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation on North St. near the intersection of School St.
During the traffic stop Ofc. Lopez observed indicators of drug use. Ofc. Lopez was granted consent to search the car at which time Jamal C. Walker of Colchester was identified as one of the passengers. Walker consented to a search of his person. During this search, Ofc. Lopez found Walker in possession of three small bags of heroin amounting to approximately one gram of heroin and over two thousand dollars in United States currency. Walker was arrested and subsequently charged with felony possession of heroin. Walker was arraigned in Chittenden Superior Court – Criminal Division and was released on conditions, one of which stipulates a 24 hour curfew. The operator of the car, Lance Bartlett 34 YOA of Westford, Vermont was arrested for driving while license suspended and was later released on a citation to appear.
Walker has an extensive criminal history which includes 33 criminal charges which resulted in 3 felony and 15 misdemeanor convictions. Of particular note, Walker has been convicted in the State of Vermont of sale of cocaine, possession of heroin, eluding an officer, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, driving while license suspended, and violation of conditions of release.
A person knowingly in possession of a quantity of heroin consisting of one gram or more could face a term of imprisonment not to exceed 10 years nor fined more than $250,000.
