Kennley Johnson, a 43-year-old resident of Anderson, has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison. This follows his guilty plea to three counts of methamphetamine distribution and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Johnson will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.
Court documents reveal that Johnson was involved in the sale of 131.8 grams of methamphetamine, along with a Colt pistol and a Manuel Escodin revolver on three occasions in March and April 2024. A court-authorized search of his residence led to the discovery of more than 380 grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, and a loaded 9mm handgun. During the arrest, officers found $5,857 in cash on him.
Johnson's criminal history includes five prior drug-related offenses and an offense for failing to return to lawful detention after absconding from work release. At the time of his arrest, he was still on probation. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from legally possessing firearms.
Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana stated, "Illegally armed drug dealers do tremendous harm to communities in every part of our state." He further emphasized that despite numerous convictions and prison terms, Johnson did not change his ways. Myers credited the efforts of the Anderson Police Department, ATF, and federal prosecutors for ensuring community safety as Johnson serves his sentence.
Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division remarked on the importance of removing individuals who use firearms for violent purposes from society: "ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels to bring those individuals to justice."
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Anderson Police Department. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence while Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Gibson prosecuted the case.