Pittsburgh Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug Laws

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Lewis Lamont Johnson, 35, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, from on or about September 22, 2017 to on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl. The indictment also alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.