Brevard County Felon Pleads Guilty To Multiple Drug And Firearms Offenses

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Shawndell Johnson (32, Melbourne) has pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Johnson twice distributed fentanyl to a confidential source in September 2022. Then, in March 2023, Johnson was arrested on state charges stemming from his fentanyl distribution. Following his arrest, a search of his residence revealed hundreds of grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine as well as digital scales, drug processing materials, and over $30,000 in cash. Also in his residence, agents located two firearms and ammunition. At the time of the search, Johnson had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including murder in the third degree without design and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, Johnson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Rockledge Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.