Damien R. Johnson, 47, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 23 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to an announcement by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “Keeping dangerous, armed felons off our streets is the most effective way to improve public safety for our communities. Thanks to the excellent work of the Pensacola Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to ensure this defendant is kept off the streets and behind bars where he belongs.”
Court documents show that in February 2026, Johnson fled from a Pensacola residence during execution of a residential search warrant by the Pensacola Police Department. He attempted to evade capture but was quickly apprehended by officers after discarding a firearm during pursuit. In 2001, Johnson had previously been convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Johnson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and up to three years of supervised release. If he violates any conditions of his release, he could potentially face additional incarceration related to violating his supervision. The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker are prosecuting.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 14 at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative using resources from the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety and quality of life by upholding rule of law across northern Florida; operates from facilities in Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville; enforces federal laws; covers 23 counties including Tallahassee and much of the Panhandle; collaborates with other agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood; defends national security; protects civil rights; secures public funds; all as part of its role within the United States Department of Justice, according to its official website.