Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Michael O. Johnson (28, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 10, 2017.
According to court documents, Johnson sold undercover agents six firearms over a period of several months, including a Russian model SKS 7.62x39-caliber rifle with an extended magazine. He sold the guns to agents even after they told him that the guns would be resold illegally in other markets within the United States, including in New York City.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods" Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety - one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
