Orlando, Florida - A federal jury has found Willie Tom Johnson (29, Orlando) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2019.
Johnson was charged in a superseding indictment on Sept. 26, 2018.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on Jan. 26, 2018, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a stop of a vehicle with a license plate that had been reported stolen. Johnson, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, fled on foot from officers, leaving behind approximately 135 grams of crack and powder cocaine, as well as a loaded firearm, a digital scale, and various other evidence. At the time, Johnson had a prior felony conviction and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez 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
