Elizabeth man indicted on federal firearms and drug charges
A federal grand jury indicted an Elizabeth man for allegedly illegally possessing a firearm and possession with intent to distribute drugs.
The two-count indictment was returned for William Johnson, 34, who allegedly possessed a Ruger P94 .40 caliber pistol and one magazine clip containing 10 cartridges, along with a SKS 7.62X39 mm caliber rifle on June 13.
Johnson is a convicted felon, and federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a crime punishable of over one year imprisonment to possess a firearm and ammunition.
Along with the firearms charge, Johnson also allegedly possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and heroin, and a substance containing cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack, and methamphetamine.
If convicted, Johnson could face a sentence of 15 years to life in prison, a $5 million fine or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI, 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 as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts as an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.