Heroin Kingpin Kevin Johnson Takes Fall for 485 Grams of Poison

New Orleans, LA – Kevin Johnson, a 33-year-old New Orleans resident, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, officials announced.

According to court documents, Johnson was investigated by the Federal Bureau Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department for his involvement in a drug distribution operation in April 2021. The investigation revealed that Johnson conspired with Al Vernon Brown, Christopher Johnson, Donald Myles, and others to distribute heroin.

On June 22, 2021, agents seized a package containing 485 grams of heroin that was mailed by Al Vernon Brown from California to New Orleans and intended for Johnson. The massive heroin shipment was a significant blow to the operation and ultimately led to Johnson’s downfall.

Johnson faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit handled the prosecution.

Johnson’s guilty plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to combat the heroin epidemic in New Orleans. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of heroin distribution and the importance of holding accountable those responsible.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans said, “The guilty plea of Kevin Johnson demonstrates our commitment to prosecuting those who bring harm to our communities through heroin distribution. We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle heroin trafficking operations in New Orleans.”