Norfolk cocaine dealer sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug-trafficking and firearms crimes

NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, in January 2025, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of cocaine from Maurice Owen Johnson, 38. At that time, Johnson was on federal supervised release for his prior felony convictions in the Eastern District of Virginia for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

In February 2025, Norfolk Police searched three Norfolk residences associated with Johnson, and recovered 11 firearms, ammunition and magazines, 87.8 grams of cocaine, 17.9 grams of cocaine base, 236.4 grams of marijuana, $313, a digital scale, and materials for the packaging and distribution of controlled substances. Police also found Johnson in possession of $4,236.

As a convicted felon, Johnson cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case jointly with the Norfolk Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-73.