United States Drug Enforcement Administration

EAST ST. LOUIS, IL - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge, James P. Shroba announced today that Frank R. Johnson, a/k/a “Mo,” 45, of Elkville, IL, was sentenced for his involvement in a heroin conspiracy in the Southern District of Illinois.  

Johnson, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. Johnson was fined $400.00.

It was established that Johnson was transporting ounce amounts of heroin from northern Illinois to Elkville for distribution. On numerous occasions, Johnson sold heroin to a confidential source working for law enforcement and to an undercover agent. When agents executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence, they recovered heroin, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

At sentencing, it was determined that Johnson was responsible for the distribution of approximately 825 grams of heroin. Johnson received an enhanced sentence based on the district court’s finding that Johnson had a leadership role in the criminal offense. The offense occurred between 2012 and January 2014, in Jackson and Franklin Counties.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southern Illinois Enforcement. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, West Frankfort Police Department, and Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.