Kennley Johnson, a 43-year-old resident of Anderson, has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison. This follows his guilty plea to three counts of methamphetamine distribution and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. After serving his prison term, Johnson will undergo five years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that in March and April 2024, Johnson was observed selling methamphetamine and firearms on three separate occasions. The transactions included 131.8 grams of methamphetamine, a Colt pistol, and a Manuel Escodin revolver. A search authorized by the court at Johnson's residence uncovered more than 380 grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, and a loaded 9mm handgun. During the arrest, officers found $5,857 in cash on him.
Johnson's criminal history includes five prior drug-related convictions and one for failing to return to lawful detention after absconding from work release. At the time of his arrest, he was still on probation. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms legally.
"Illegally armed drug dealers do tremendous harm to communities in every part of our state," stated Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "Numerous prior convictions and prison terms were not enough to convince this career criminal to change his ways."
Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division added: "There is no place in our society for those who use firearms for violent, criminal purposes and spread drugs through our community."
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Anderson Police Department. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Myers expressed gratitude towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Gibson for prosecuting the case.
