Judge Sentences Man to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Assault on a Federal Officer

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced today that on Tuesday Ricky Dean Johnson was sentenced in federal court in San Diego by United States District Court Judge John A. Houston to serve 30 months in custody and three years of supervised release based on Johnson’s conviction for assault on a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a) and (b), a felony. Johnson pled guilty to that offense on September 13, 2011.

According to court records, on June 13, 2011, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were investigating possible prescription drug fraud at a pharmacy in Chula Vista. After arriving at the pharmacy, agents began speaking with Johnson, who became uncooperative. In an effort to flee the pharmacy, Johnson punched one of the agents in the side of the head with his fist. Johnson successfully escaped from the scene, but was apprehended the following day in Los Angeles. In his plea, Johnson admitted that he struck the agent while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties, in order to avoid being questioned.

The U.S. Attorney noted that her office takes assault on federal officer cases very seriously. “This was a significant sentence and sends an important message that the use of violence during an interaction with law enforcement will have harsh consequences,” said United States Attorney Duffy.

Johnson has been in custody since his arrest on June 16, 2011.

Case Number
11CR2774JAH

Defendant
Ricky Dean Johnson

Summary of Charges
Assault on a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a) and (b)

Investigating Agency
Federal Bureau of Investigation