Phillip Randolph Johnson Jr., Armed Drug Dealing, Kentucky 2018

A 38-year-old man from Marion County, Kentucky, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for armed drug dealing and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Phillip Randolph Johnson Jr. was given 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to seven federal charges.

Johnson was found guilty of selling cocaine and methamphetamine to law enforcement officials on multiple occasions in November 2018. He was also found in possession of a Taurus, Model PT809, 9 millimeter semiautomatic pistol and ammunition following the execution of a search warrant.

Johnson's prior felony convictions for reckless homicide and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree made him eligible for an enhanced sentence as a 'career offender.'

U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman stated that armed drug dealing will not be tolerated in Marion County or the Western District of Kentucky. 'Those who ignore this warning will pay a heavy price, in this case a decade and a half in federal prison.'

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lebanon Police Department.

Johnson's sentencing occurred on October 3, 2019, and he was found guilty of the following charges: 2 Counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, 2 Counts of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 Count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, 1 Count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and 1 Count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The case serves as a warning to those who engage in armed drug dealing and possession of firearms by convicted felons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to investigate and prosecute these crimes.

The Western District of Kentucky is a high-crime area, and the U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to reducing crime and improving public safety. This sentence demonstrates the consequences of engaging in armed drug dealing and possession of firearms by convicted felons.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdky/pr/marion-co-man-sentenced-drug-distribution-possession-firearm-convicted-felon