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Press Release

Cleveland man sentenced for role in drug trafficking operation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Willie Johnson, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 92 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Johnson, age 38, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Johnson admitted to working with someone to distribute heroin near Luau Manor, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, in April 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling

Updated June 30, 2022

Topics
Opioids
Drug Trafficking