A Cleveland man identified as Lamont Johnson, 43, has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for drug distribution and firearm offenses while on parole. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after Johnson pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances—including fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine—and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson’s criminal history includes previous convictions for drug trafficking in 2022 and 2012. He will also serve eight years of supervised release following his imprisonment. According to court records, Johnson received an enhanced sentence due to his status as a career offender, with prior convictions dating back to 2001 and repeated violations of supervised release conditions.
Court documents state that on November 15, 2023, agents observed suspected drug activity at a gas station on East 55th Street in Cleveland involving Johnson’s vehicle. When agents attempted a traffic stop, Johnson fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered a loaded Glock pistol from the driver’s seat of Johnson’s vehicle along with cash and suspected controlled substances. Additional evidence included baggies containing powdery substances later confirmed by lab analysis as fentanyl, xylazine, and cocaine. Agents also found sandwich bags, a digital scale, and more cash inside the vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Ohio Investigative Unit working as Task Force Officers with the ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Center. These officers are involved in statewide efforts targeting violent crime areas and armed offenders.
Assistant United States Attorney Scott Zarzycki prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
###
