News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2006
CONTACT: Joanna Zoltay 312-886-2597

Mandatory Life in Prison for Drug Dealer
Melville, ND Methamphetamine Drug Trafficker Sentenced

(Fargo, N.D.) – DEA Chicago Special Agent in Charge Gary Olenkiewicz announced that Gerald Jerome Johnson of Melville, North Dakota, was sentenced to life in prison by United States District Court Judge Rodney S. Webb on three counts of charges involving drugs and guns.

“This sentencing sends a strong message to drug traffickers that we will not tolerate drugs and guns in our neighborhoods”, stated Olenkiewicz. “Mr. Johnson is a career criminal who must now pay for his decision to deal drugs on the streets. The investigation was a collaborated effort with our partners in drug law enforcement, the ATF, Stutsman County Drug Task Force, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Jamestown Police Department.”

Johnson, 53, was found guilty by a 12 person jury on July 27, 2006, of possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of firearms. Johnson has prior federal felony convictions in North Dakota for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. The jury also found that Johnson must forfeit $15,150.00 to the United States. Based on Johnson’s prior criminal history, Judge Webb sentenced Johnson to a mandatory life imprisonment plus 25 years to be served consecutively.

The case was prosecuted by United State Attorney Chris Myers.