Bradenton Man Indicted For Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted In Death

Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the return of an indictment charging David Earl Johnson (36, Bradenton) with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl. If convicted on the first charge, he faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. If convicted of the second offense, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. The indictment also notifies Johnson that the United States intends to forfeit assets alleged to be traceable to the proceeds of the offenses.

According to the indictment, Johnson distributed fentanyl on two occasions on January 11, 2017, the first of which resulted in the death of “K.H.”

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Hot Batch.” The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.