Brevard County Felon Charged With Drug And Firearm Offenses

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Shawndell Johnson (31, Melbourne) with distribution of controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Johnson that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition which are alleged to have facilitated some of the offenses.  

According to the indictment, on September 1 and September 8, 2022, Johnson distributed a mixture containing fentanyl. Then, on March 16, 2023, Johnson possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing cocaine. Johnson is also charged with possessing multiple firearms and ammunition despite his previous felony convictions for third-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of his March 16, 2023, drug offenses.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.