Courtney Lynell Johnson, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Mississippi 2020

Grimy Times Exclusive: A Texas woman has been sentenced to over nine years in prison for trafficking over 3 kilograms of methamphetamine. Courtney Lynell Johnson, 29, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 115 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The crime occurred on October 21, 2019, when a Harrison County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Johnson near the 45 mile marker of I-10 east bound. Johnson stated that she was driving from Houston, Texas to pick up her sister in Gautier, Mississippi. However, a number of other incidents and factors made law enforcement suspicious, and the deputy subsequently asked Johnson for permission to search the vehicle.

Johnson agreed and gave consent. A duffle bag, which Johnson claimed ownership of, was located in the trunk. A subsequent search of the bag's contents revealed 100% pure methamphetamine (ICE) weighing 3,001.6 grams. Johnson was arrested, advised of her Miranda rights, and agreed to answer questions.

DEA agents learned that Johnson was transporting the methamphetamine from the Houston, Texas area to Gautier, Mississippi. Johnson was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Sul Ozerden on February 28, 2020.

The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole. Judge Ozerden also ordered Johnson to pay a $5,000 fine.

Mississippi residents are now breathing a sigh of relief as one more methamphetamine trafficker is off the streets. The sentence handed down by Judge Ozerden sends a strong message to would-be traffickers that the consequences will be severe.

Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/texas-woman-sentenced-over-nine-years-prison-trafficking-over-3-kilograms