Lagarius Joseph Johnson, a 21-year-old Gainesville resident, has been sentenced to over 35 years in federal prison for several drug and firearm offenses. The sentencing took place in Gainesville, Florida, and was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we will do everything in our power to stop those who pose a danger to our communities. Keeping a dangerous offender like this one off our streets is yet another step in fulfilling that promise. I am proud of the work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to keep our communities safe.”
Johnson was convicted on charges including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances, possession of a machinegun, and possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to evidence presented at trial, law enforcement had been monitoring the Majestic Oaks apartments following reports that Johnson and others were armed with firearms, including a machinegun. Due to his prior criminal history, Johnson was not legally allowed to possess firearms under state law. When officers attempted to approach him, Johnson acted as if he was armed before fleeing the scene. He was apprehended with assistance from a police canine after discarding items including a cellphone, backpack, and pistol.
The investigation revealed that Johnson’s backpack contained marijuana packaged for distribution, empty baggies, and a digital scale. The discarded pistol had been modified with a conversion device making it fully automatic. Search warrants uncovered numerous photos on Johnson’s cellphone and social media accounts showing him with guns, cash, and advertising marijuana sales on the day he was arrested.
Police Chief Nelson Moya of the Gainesville Police Department commented: “The combination of illegal narcotics and illegally possessed firearms, especially a machine gun, presents an extreme threat to public safety. I commend our officers and federal partners for their dedicated work in bringing this case to justice. We will continue to stand firm against those who choose to endanger lives through criminal activity.”
Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge at the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division said: “Drug trafficking is a dangerous endeavor and leads to increased violence in our communities. Law enforcement agencies in Florida continue to work together to get these armed and dangerous criminals off our streets and behind bars.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass added: “This sentence sends a clear message: if you bring violence, drugs and illegal guns into Florida, you will be met with the full force of local, state and federal law enforcement. Working side-by-side with our partners, FDLE will continue to track down dangerous offenders and dismantle the criminal networks that put our communities at risk.”
ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard said: “This is an incredible public safety win for residents of North Central Florida. We’re proud to have leveraged our expertise to help our local, state and federal partners bring this dangerous suspect to justice.”
Johnson’s sentence includes 35 years and 3 months’ imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release; he must also forfeit the firearm and conversion device seized during his arrest.
In addition to his federal conviction, Johnson faces unrelated charges of attempted first degree murder involving a machinegun in Alachua County’s Eighth Judicial Circuit Court where he has pleaded not guilty.
The joint investigation involved several agencies including the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Eric Welch prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), which coordinates resources from various Department of Justice programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) aiming at eliminating cartels and violent crime across the country.
As part of its PSN strategy addressing gun thefts from vehicles—which are identified as a significant source for criminals—the U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages community members throughout Northern Florida to lock their car doors at night.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida serves as one among 94 offices representing principal litigators nationwide under direction from the Attorney General.
