Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty in Drunk Driving Manslaughter Case

MINNEAPOLIS – A Red Lake man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter resulting from a drunk driving crash, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to court documents, on the morning of November 6, 2021, Gerald Wayne Johnson, 27, was driving a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger in the front seat. Johnson was driving above 90 miles per hour on a public road which had a posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour. While speeding and driving recklessly, Johnson lost control and crashed the vehicle into a nearby tree. Johnson’s passenger died from her injuries caused by the crash. Johnson’s blood was drawn, and his blood alcohol content was determined to be .224.

Johnson pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of involuntary manslaughter. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time. 

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Red Lake Police Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Teirab is prosecuting the case.