New Orleans Man Sentenced to Life for Tapentadol and Tramadol Trafficking
A 26-year-old New Orleans man pleaded guilty to three federal charges related to tapentadol and tramadol trafficking, as well as firearm violations. Ronald Johnson, 26, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to the charges on April 16, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey.
Johnson is the eighth and final defendant to plead guilty in this case. He pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute tapentadol and tramadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(2); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, Johnson distributed tapentadol and tramadol in New Orleans in 2022 and 2023. In May of 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence. In Johnson’s bedroom, FBI agents found a Century Arms C39, 7.62×39 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and an American Tactical MilSport 300BLK, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, both of which were loaded with high-capacity magazines.
Johnson has felony convictions for first degree robbery and is prohibited from possessing firearms. FBI agents also found packs of tramadol and tapentadol that Johnson intended to sell in his residence.
Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and up to a $1,000,000 fine for his conviction for possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and tramadol. Additionally, he faces a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, and up to five years of supervised release for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He also faces up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program is a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities across the United States. The program brings together law enforcement agencies, federal prosecutors, and community organizations to work together to prevent and investigate violent crimes.
Johnson’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes. His sentence is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors in combating these types of crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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