On Thursday, Stateville Correctional Center inmate Darrick Walker, 33, was charged with possession of the drug in a penal institution. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid painkiller that is similar to morphine “but is 50 to 100 times more potent,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
“The high potency of fentanyl greatly increases risk of overdose, especially if a person who uses drugs is unaware that a powder or pill contains it,” the institute’s website said.
An indictment filed against Walker alleges he possessed fentanyl on Dec. 10, 2020.
Judge Dave Carlson signed a warrant for Walker’s arrest. The warrant carries a $1 million bond. Walker’s case is scheduled for a status hearing and motions on Aug. 9 in Carlson’s courtroom.
Illinois Department of Corrections Spokeswoman Lindsey Hess did not immediately respond to questions about the case Friday.
Walker has been in prison since Nov. 10, 2014. He was convicted of attempted armed robbery and aggravated discharge of a firearm in Cook County, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Walker was sentenced to 25 years for the attempted armed robbery and 30 years for the aggravated discharge. His projected parole date is July 18, 2050.
Walker also was convicted of committing armed robbery and home invasion between 2005 and 2008, according to IDOC records.
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