A Kentucky man will spend the next 25 years behind bars after being sentenced in federal court on Monday for drug trafficking and firearm violations.
U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove handed down a 300-month prison sentence to Wayne Jerome Johnson, 46, Harrodsburg, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Johnson’s illegal activities were uncovered on November 17, 2021, when law enforcement officers observed him distributing drugs from two rooms at the Economy Inn in Harrodsburg. Following this observation, authorities executed a court-authorized search of the premises.
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The search yielded significant quantities of illegal narcotics, including over 50 grams of a dangerous mixture containing methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, as well as 32 grams of cocaine found in separate bags. In addition to the drugs, law enforcement discovered a loaded pistol, ammunition, magazines, cash, and various items indicative of drug trafficking operations.
During proceedings, Johnson admitted to possessing the seized drugs with the intention of distributing them. He also acknowledged possessing the firearm to further his drug trafficking activities. Furthermore, Johnson was aware at the time of his arrest that his prior felony convictions legally prohibited him from owning a firearm.
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Court records revealed Johnson’s extensive history of drug-related offenses. He had previously been convicted of two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance in Mercer Circuit Court in October 2000, and another count of the same charge in the same court in 2018. These prior convictions played a significant role in the severity of the current sentence.
Under federal law, Johnson will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his 300-month prison term. Following his release, he will be subject to eight years of supervised release under the U.S. Probation Office.
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