TALLAHASSEE, FL – Triston Chacoey Aric Johnson, 21, of Tallahassee, has admitted to a cascade of federal crimes, pleading guilty to charges including possession of a firearm and ammunition as an unlawful user of controlled substances, drug trafficking, and possessing a short-barreled rifle linked to his illegal activity. The plea, announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin, marks a significant development in a case highlighting the dangerous intersection of guns and drugs on Tallahassee streets.
According to court documents, Johnson’s criminal activity unfolded across two distinct incidents. On October 1, 2023, a Florida A&M University (FAMU) police officer attempted to stop Johnson, who promptly fled on foot. Surveillance footage captured him concealing a purple bag near a vehicle. The following morning, a FAMU employee discovered the bag, revealing a chilling stash: two firearms, marijuana packaged for street-level sales, mushrooms, a digital scale coated with marijuana residue, and Johnson’s personal identification.
The situation escalated dramatically on July 17, 2024. Johnson engaged in a heated argument with another individual, both of whom were armed. The dispute turned violent when Johnson opened fire, striking the victim in the heart. The victim, in turn, fired back, tragically hitting his girlfriend multiple times as Johnson made his escape. This shooting prompted a swift response from the Tallahassee Police Department, leading to a search warrant execution at Johnson’s apartment.
The search of Johnson’s residence uncovered a further trove of illegal materials: loose oxycodone pills, approximately 1.4 pounds of marijuana, over 25 empty one-pound vacuum seal bags bearing marijuana residue, a variety of ammunition, and a short-barreled rifle that had been previously stolen from a Leon County Sheriff’s Office vehicle. The evidence paints a clear picture of a calculated and dangerous operation. U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the commitment to “Take Back America” by aggressively pursuing armed drug traffickers, praising the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Johnson now faces a substantial prison sentence. He is looking at a minimum of 10 years behind bars, with the potential for life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. This case falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling cartels and protecting communities from violent crime.
In a related public safety announcement, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida urged residents to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked vehicles remain a significant source of firearms for criminals in the region. The office, one of 94 nationwide, serves as the principal litigator under the direction of the Attorney General. Public court documents can be accessed on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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