Former North Braddock Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Deadly Heroin/Fentanyl Mix

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of North Braddock, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Demiyr Johnson, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 30, 2016, Johnson distributed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to an individual who later redistributed the substance to an individual with the initials J.W. J.W. used the substance and died from an overdose. As part of the guilty plea, Johnson accepted responsibility for causing the death.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.

The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Johnson remained detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.