New Orleans East Resident Indicted in Heroin-Trafficking Conspiracy

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ARTHUR JOHNSON, age 40, of New Orleans East, has been charged in a seven-count Indictment.  The lead charge (Count 1) is a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.  If found guilty of this offense, JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release.

JOHNSON is also charged with five counts (Counts 2-6) of distributing a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  If found guilty of any of these offenses, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, a fine up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.

Finally, JOHNSON is charged with one count (Count 7) of possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).  If found guilty of this offense, JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI’s New Orleans Gang Task Force in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.