BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A federal jury convicted 53-year-old Willie David Lark of Possession with Intent to Distribute this week and he will be sentenced at a later date.

Authorities say Lark intended to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and quantities of cocaine and cocaine base.

“Illicit street drugs can kill,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “In particular, xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. Just a speck of fentanyl can be lethal, and naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse the potentially deadly effects of xylazine. While we can never prosecute our way out of a drug epidemic, my office is committed to disrupting the flow of these poisons into our communities.”

According to evidence in the trial, in August 2022, investigators searched Lark’s residence in Benton Township in connection with an ongoing drug investigation.

"Inside Lark’s safe, investigators found over 188 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine, also known as 'ice,' over 100 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and xylazine, over 70 grams of cocaine, and over 31 grams of cocaine base," authorities said. "Investigators found additional evidence inside the house that proved Lark intended to sell these drugs."

When Lark was arrested two weeks later, investigators found more fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base in his pants pocket that he intended to sell.

"In Lark’s truck, investigators also found a key to the safe in his residence that was previously searched and found to contain drugs," authorities said.