United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announced that Christopher David Johnson, 39, of Winter Haven, Florida, was sentenced in federal court today for his participation in an interstate cocaine distribution operation. The cocaine was supplied by Johnson’s sources in Houston, Texas, and transported using couriers driving rental cars to the area around Orlando, Florida. Court documents reflect that the total amount of cocaine involved in the distribution scheme was from 5 to 15 kilograms. Johnson entered a guilty plea to the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in June of 2011.

Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentence of 14 years imprisonment, but ordered that Johnson receive credit for 18 months he spent in custody on other drug charges, with the prospective sentence from today forward of 12 years and six months. The term of imprisonment is to be followed by a five-year supervised release term. The judge also ordered that the defendant undergo drug abuse treatment and mental health treatment during his incarceration and his supervision. No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Johnson pay the special mandatory assessment of $100.

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

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