GEORGE E. B. HOLDING

CONTACT: 919/856-4530

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THURSDAY - OCTOBER 25, 2007

WILMINGTON MAN SENTENCED WITH BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION
OF A FIREARM AND POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO SELL DRUGS

RALEIGH - United States Attorney George E. B. Holding announced that in federal court today United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced ANTWANE JAMALE JOHNSON, 23, of Wilmington, North Carolina, to 156 months’ imprisonment.

A Criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office on March 29, 2007, charged JOHNSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possession with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of crack cocaine. JOHNSON pled guilty to the charge on April 24, 2007.

On September 28, 2005, New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant on a residence in Wilmington, North Carolina. While there, JOHNSON informed the deputies that a Smith and Wesson, 9mm, handgun was in the residence.

On September 8, 2006, deputies were again serving a search warrant at the same residence. Prior to service, JOHNSON had been seen making several hand-to-hand exchanges with people consistent with selling drugs. A search found 55 grams of crack cocaine and $310.00.

Investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Special AUSA Timothy M. Severo was prosecution for the government.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.