A Killeen man, Eric Darnell Johnson, 34, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison after being found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. The sentencing took place in a federal court in Waco.
Court documents revealed that Johnson had been involved in selling cocaine to numerous individuals in Killeen, including both military servicemembers and civilians associated with the Department of the Army. A search warrant executed at Johnson's residence led to the discovery of approximately 200 grams of cocaine, along with methamphetamine and synthetic narcotics. Additionally, law enforcement officials found more than 20 firearms at Johnson's residence, three of which were determined to be stolen.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas commented, "This sentence is a victory for the safety of Fort Cavazos and the surrounding community. It's also a warning to anyone who would consider making the same poor decision to put service members, their families, and others at risk. We and our dedicated law enforcement partners will not tolerate drug trafficking in our district."
Special Agent-in-Charge Maria Thomas for the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Central Texas Field Office added, "This conviction shows our desire to eliminate the threat of drug trafficking which endangers our communities. The Central Texas Field Office will continue to partner with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to protect our communities and the Department of the Army from the dangers of drug trafficking."
The investigation into Eric Darnell Johnson's activities was conducted by the Army CID, the Bell County Organized Crime Unit, and the Killeen Police Department.
