Elizabeth Man Facing Drug and Gun Charges in Project Safe Neighborhoods Case

PITTSBURGH –A resident of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned yesterday, named William Johnson, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 13, 2018, Johnson, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Ruger, Model P94, 40 Auto caliber pistol, one magazine containing 10 cartridges of Hornady 40 S&W caliber ammunition, and an SKS, 7.62x39mm caliber rifle. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition. Additionally, on or about June 13, 2018, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance; and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, and methamphetamine, each a Schedule II controlled substance.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Allegheny County Drug Task Force and the City of Clairton Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.