Lewis Lamont Johnson, Fentanyl Conspiracy, Pennsylvania 2017

According to court documents, Lewis Lamont Johnson, 35, of Pittsburgh, PA, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of benzyl fentanyl. The conspiracy took place from September 22, 2017 to October 11, 2017.

A resident of Pittsburgh, Johnson pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Johnson’s guilty plea was made before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

The serious nature of Johnson’s crime cannot be overstated. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has ravaged communities nationwide. The fact that Johnson conspired to distribute such a large quantity of the deadly substance is a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Johnson’s sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The investigation that led to Johnson’s prosecution was a collaborative effort between the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Johnson’s guilty plea is a significant development in the ongoing fight against opioid trafficking. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to bring those responsible for this scourge to justice.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

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