United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAVANNAH, Ga:  Two people are facing substantial prison sentences and fines after pleading guilty to federal heroin trafficking charges.

Gary Johnson, a/k/a “G,” 44, and Jamison Lanier, a/k/a “Monica Lewinsky,” 36, both of Savannah, have each pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin in U.S. District Court, said U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy and Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Each of the defendants face up to 20 years in prison, fines of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release upon completion of their sentences. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to statements made in court and in court filings, Johnson and Lanier were involved in a conspiracy to distribute heroin from at least February through December of 2018. During the investigation, agents observed Lanier and Johnson distribute heroin at multiple parking lots in the Savannah area, including Walmart, Home Depot, Family Dollar, and Memorial Hospital. On Nov. 8, 2018, federal agents executed federal search warrants at three locations associated with Johnson, resulting in the seizure of more than $97,000 cash and more than 170 grams of heroin, with much of it laced with the synthetic opioid fentanyl. 

DEA Special Agent in Charge Murphy said, “Heroin and synthetic drugs have no boundaries. Once consumed, they destroy their victims like predators ravage their prey. Many thanks to the collaboration of law enforcement agencies and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who all made this investigation a success.”

“Like much of the United States, our communities are seeing a troubling increase in heroin and fentanyl distribution as a consequence of the nation’s opioid crisis,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we are determined to find, prosecute, and remove those who would peddle this poison in our neighborhoods.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection service remains steadfast in our resolve to ensure that we seek justice to the end against criminals that pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” said Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division. “This goal is achieved through collaborative investigative efforts with other law enforcement agencies.”

This case was investigated by the DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Bearden.

The DEA encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justthinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov. Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv.

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