NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jimmy Johnson Jr., 45, of LaVergne, Tennessee, is headed to federal prison for 15 years. The sentence, handed down Friday by U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr., is the result of a bust that uncovered a significant drug operation and illegal firearms, according to U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Johnson was initially indicted in March 2018 and eventually pleaded guilty in February to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The case stemmed from a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, culminating in a February 2018 raid on Johnson’s Antioch, Tennessee residence.
Agents executing the search warrant found a veritable cache of contraband. A whopping 940 grams of cocaine were seized, alongside marijuana and crack cocaine. Evidence also suggested Johnson was actively *cooking* powder cocaine into the more potent crack form, further indicating a large-scale operation. The scene wasn’t just about drugs; authorities also recovered two loaded semi-automatic handguns: a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson and a 9mm Sig Sauer.
This wasn’t Johnson’s first rodeo with the law. His rap sheet already included convictions for possession with intent to sell cocaine, prior illegal firearm possession, and aggravated assault. Judge Campbell took note of this extensive criminal history, designating Johnson as an Armed Career Criminal, which triggered a sentence enhancement. The judge clearly wasn’t buying any sob stories.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, bringing together the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Montminy successfully prosecuted the case, securing the lengthy prison term for Johnson.
This conviction sends a clear message: dealing drugs and illegally possessing firearms will not be tolerated in Middle Tennessee. Johnson will have plenty of time to reflect on his choices behind bars. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar criminal activity as it unfolds.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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