PENSACOLA, FL – Foster Darnell Johnson Sr., 37, of Pensacola, Florida, is headed to federal prison for eight years after a volatile domestic dispute exposed a cache of firearms and narcotics in his home. Johnson was sentenced Monday for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, hydrocodone, and a massive amount of marijuana.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of August 13, 2022, when Johnson returned home intoxicated, sparking a fight with his wife. The argument escalated, and Johnson fired a pistol down the hallway of their second-story residence – a home where three minor children were asleep. He then allegedly entered one of the children’s bedrooms while still armed, prompting his wife to desperately call 911, fearing for the safety of her family.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded swiftly and secured a search warrant. The search of Johnson’s bedroom revealed a disturbing arsenal: two shotguns, including an AR-style weapon, alongside over 18 pounds of marijuana, crack cocaine, and hydrocodone. Digital scales and Ziploc baggies, indicative of drug distribution, were also seized. The pistol used in the domestic violence incident, along with a spent casing and a significant quantity of ammunition, were also recovered.
U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody emphasized the danger Johnson posed. “Removing firearms from the hands of violent felons, here an intoxicated drug trafficker who had twice been convicted of domestic battery, undoubtedly makes our community safer,” Coody stated. He lauded the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for their “swift response” and dedication to combating violent crime.
Johnson’s criminal history is extensive. As a prior convicted felon with two previous convictions for battery domestic violence, he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Following his eight-year prison sentence, Johnson will face three years of supervised release, during which he will be required to participate in both anger management and domestic violence counseling. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Callahan prosecuted the case. This conviction underscores the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida’s commitment to holding criminals accountable and safeguarding the community. The office serves as a key litigator under the direction of the Attorney General, handling a wide range of federal crimes across the region.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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