Jermaine Antoine Johnson, a 34-year-old resident of Beckley, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to charges related to conspiracy in distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. His involvement was part of a larger drug trafficking organization operating within the Southern District of West Virginia.
Court documents reveal that Johnson's participation in the conspiracy occurred during April and May 2024. He admitted to supplying controlled substances for distribution and discussed plans with co-conspirators to obtain and distribute fentanyl. Law enforcement intercepted phone calls in May 2024, where Johnson spoke about transactions involving $6,000 worth of drugs.
On May 15, 2024, Johnson communicated with a co-conspirator about purchasing controlled substances from a supplier. They planned to use $6,000 for drugs intended for distribution in the Southern District of West Virginia. On May 20, 2024, Johnson traveled with his co-conspirator to Baltimore, Maryland, where they acquired approximately $6,000 worth of fentanyl. The following day they returned to West Virginia and discussed methods to increase the volume of fentanyl using cutting agents like sugar.
Johnson is scheduled for sentencing on July 3, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of $1 million.
Johnson is one among twelve individuals indicted for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base between June 2023 and May 2024 within the Southern District of West Virginia. All defendants have pleaded guilty; two did so on separate charges instead of those alleged in the indictment.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston stated: “Today’s guilty plea marks a major milestone in this case, which has disrupted a significant drug trafficking operation in the Beckley area.” She further commended law enforcement agencies' teamwork: “The fact that all 12 defendants have pleaded guilty is also a testament to the teamwork of our law enforcement partners and this office and to our shared dedication to protecting our communities.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as local law enforcement units from West Virginia State Police and Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing while Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
This investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program established in 1982 aimed at dismantling major drug trafficking organizations posing threats to public safety or national security.
For more information regarding this case or related court documents refer to Case No. 5:24-cr-90 on PACER or visit U.S. Attorney’s Office website for Southern District of West Virginia.