United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS – Korey Linnell Johnson, age 36, of Hayti, Missouri, was sentenced Aug. 12 to 17 years in prison on one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.    

With his plea Johnson admitted that he oversaw a number of individuals who were conspiring to bring methamphetamine from the Southwest Border region into eastern Missouri for distribution. Johnson also admitted that the conspirators had distributed more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of a year. Agents seized a total of $131,325 in drug proceeds as a part of the investigation, which has been forfeited.

“Drug trafficking organizations are a blight in our communities with their illegal activities,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division. “This is one individual that will no longer be making the Bootheel a stop for drugs coming from the Southwest Border, making Southeast Missouri a little bit safer.”

Agencies who participated in the investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division, Department of Homeland Security, Missouri State Highway Patrol, SEMO Drug Task Force, Pemiscot County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Caruthersville, Mo., Police Department, Dunklin County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, New Madrid County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and Hayti Police Department.

Johnson appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Johnson will be placed on supervised release for a term of five years after the completion of his incarceration.