James W. Johnson, Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2016

Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 12½ Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Gun Law Violations

A 37-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 12½ years in prison for fentanyl trafficking and gun law violations, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.

Chief United States District Judge Mark Hornack imposed the sentence yesterday on James W. Johnson, formerly of the City’s Glen Hazel section. Johnson was convicted of federal narcotics and firearms violations.

According to information presented to the court and at the trial, on December 30, 2016, Johnson was observed by Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers selling fentanyl to an individual out of an abandoned residence on Renova Street in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh. Johnson is associated with the Hazelwood Mob gang that operates in that area.

Law enforcement officers stopped the purchaser after the sale and recovered the purchased drugs. The individual identified Johnson as the seller of those drugs. Based on that information and other evidence, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the abandoned Renova Street residence, which was executed on January 2, 2017.

When law enforcement executed the search warrant, they encountered Johnson leaving the abandoned residence and he had a key for the residence and two cellular telephones. A search of the residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, along with a loaded and stolen handgun, a ballistic vest, and other evidence of drug trafficking.

The defendant has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple felony convictions for prior drug trafficking and illegal gun possession. He was therefore precluded from possession of firearms or ammunition under federal law.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Chung commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.

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