Williamson County Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Offense

On April 6, 2017, Leon S. Johnson, 41, of Herrin, pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.

The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on November 4, 2016, in Williamson County. Evidence at his change of plea hearing established that, in October and November 2016, Johnson sold cocaine and crack cocaine to a confidential source working for law enforcement. On November 4, 2016, agents executed search warrants at Johnson’s Herrin residence and at a Herrin storage locker rented by Johnson. During the searches, agents recovered over two kilogram of cocaine, four kilograms of marihuana, 40 grams of crack cocaine, and over $21,000.00. Johnson is being held without bond pending his July 13, 2017, sentencing date.

The cocaine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Herrin Police Department, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Office and Illinois National Guard also assisted in the investigation.