United States Drug Enforcement Administration

HAMMOND, Ind. – On June 8, 2026, Nathaniel Johnson, 21, of Gary, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to distribution of a schedule II-controlled substance and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Nathaniel Johnson was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“An armed drug dealer will spend the next eight years in prison because he sold over 20,000 pills containing a fentanyl precursor to undercover law enforcement agents while in possession of a semi-automatic pistol loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition in an extended magazine, after which he was arrested at the scene. Thanks to the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force, the DEA North Central Laboratory, and Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter, the poison was intercepted and the drug dealer went to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.

“The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its law enforcement partners, will use every available resource to investigate and stop those who distribute illegal drugs and possess illegal automatic weapons. DEA’s commitment to protecting the people of Northern Indiana remains unwavering. The sentencing of Mr. Johnson sends a clear message to those who engage in this dangerous, criminal conduct. You will be identified, held accountable, and brought to justice,” said Alfred Cooke, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Merrillville District Office. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the DEA Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force and supported by the DEA North Central Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S.  Attorney Dean Lanter.