Michael Lashawn Johnson admits distributing nearly 2 kilos of crack cocaine

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Michael Lashawn Johnson, also known as “Spank,” of Huntington, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for selling crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in federal court in Huntington.  Johnson, 34, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.  

Johnson sold crack cocaine during a conspiracy that began as early as 2006.  During the scheme, Johnson obtained crack cocaine and powder cocaine from Columbus and brought it back to Huntington to sell.  Johnson was a frequent source of supply of crack cocaine to other drug dealers in and around Huntington. 

On December 6, 2010, Johnson’s vehicle was stopped along State Route 104 by members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During the traffic stop, an Ohio Highway Patrol police dog performed a search on the defendant’s vehicle.  The vehicle search revealed $33,000 in cash.  On April 13, 2011, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Johnson.  The defendant later sold 10.9 grams of crack cocaine to the police informant in exchange for $700.  On February 7, 2013, an arrest warrant was issued for Johnson.  Police arrested Johnson at his Huntington residence.  At the time of his arrest, police also found items consistent with the production of crack cocaine inside Johnson’s residence, along with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  

In total, Johnson is responsible for distributing approximately two kilograms of crack cocaine. 

This case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. 

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