FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 25, 2012
CROSS LANES MAN SENTENCED TO 64 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR CRACK COCAINE DISTRIBUTION
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –James E. Johnson, 29, of Cross Lanes, W.Va., was sentenced today to 64 months in prison by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston for distribution of a quantity of crack cocaine. Johnson admitted that on July 20, 2009, he sold a quantity of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) in exchange for $200. At the time the offense occurred, the defendant delivered the suspected crack cocaine to an informant who was seated in a vehicle driven by what proved to be an undercover law enforcement officer. The officer present at the time observed the illegal exchange of drugs and money between the defendant and the informant. The suspected crack cocaine was submitted to the West Virginia State Police Lab and proved to be 3.02 grams of crack cocaine.
On August 14, 2009, after being advised of his Miranda rights, the defendant agreed to waive his right and admitted to having sold crack cocaine for approximately six months.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution.
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