Kevin Johnson, a 43-year-old resident of Durham, North Carolina, was sentenced on February 23, 2026, to over 17 years in federal prison for his role in distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. The sentencing took place before Judge William L. Osteen, Jr., who also ordered Johnson to serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
Johnson pleaded guilty in October 2025 to charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of distributing cocaine, and two counts of distributing fentanyl. Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing showed that Johnson sold both drugs in Durham. In early 2025, he received a kilogram of fentanyl for distribution and later purchased two more kilograms that were intercepted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation during a search in May 2025. Authorities also recovered twenty kilograms of cocaine intended for another member involved in the operation.
From June 2023 to January 2024, Johnson was employed by Bull City United.
Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, announced the sentence and expressed appreciation for the efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and partner agencies. Bishop stated: “Kevin Johnson held himself out as someone who cared about his community but then sold poison in that same community. We will continue to address the scourge of fentanyl through federal prosecution.”
The investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established under Executive Order 14159. The HSTF is focused on dismantling criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within and outside U.S. borders through interagency cooperation among various law enforcement entities. Agencies participating in this case included members from FBI Raleigh Durham Safe Streets Task Force, local sheriff’s offices and police departments, state investigative units, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole R. DuPré and Eric L. Iverson prosecuted the case.
