TYLER, Texas — Shreveport native Brandon Johnson, a 22-year-old defendant, was today sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John M. Bales.
In a harrowing turn of events, Johnson pleaded guilty on November 6, 2013, to possession with intent to distribute approximately 4.5 kilograms of marijuana. Today’s sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider, saw Johnson sentenced to 10 months in federal prison.
On March 19, 2013, the fateful day that changed Johnson’s fate, a Texas DPS Trooper stopped him for speeding on IH-20 in Van Zandt County. The officer detected the scent of marijuana and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of ten pounds of pot concealed in two boxes on the back seat floorboard. The trooper also found a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol on the driver’s side floorboard.
In addition to his prison term, Johnson is required to forfeit the seized firearm and ammunition to the United States Attorney’s Office. He must also pay a $10,000 judgment personally, which will be levied against him for money earned from selling marijuana.
This case was a joint effort by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble leading the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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