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Irmo Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Fentanyl Distribution
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Joseph Anthony Johnson, 34, of Irmo, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl and possessing firearms.
According to evidence presented in court, Johnson was found in possession of fentanyl and a loaded .380 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number on January 24, 2022. The firearm was stolen, and Johnson was prohibited from possessing any firearm at the time due to multiple prior felony convictions.
Johnson’s extensive criminal history includes 19 prior convictions, including assault and battery 3rd degree, methamphetamine distribution, seven drug possessions, an illegal firearm possession, resisting arrest, failure to stop on police command, and financial transaction card theft.
On February 15, 2022, and again on February 24, 2022, while out on bond for the conduct above, Johnson sold heroin and another loaded .380 caliber pistol to an undercover source. Johnson was armed with a firearm in his waistband during one of the drug transactions.
Johnson’s reckless actions continued, as he was found with heroin and fentanyl again on July 22, 2022, when he was arrested for the conduct above.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Johnson to 11 years in federal prison, with six years of court-ordered supervision to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the West Columbia Police Department, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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