Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Courtney Rashon Johnson (43, Orlando) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 11, 2018.

 

Johnson was indicted on March 28, 2018.

 

According to testimony presented at trial, Johnson was carrying a firearm and fleeing from a scene where gunshots had been fired, when he encountered multiple detectives from the Orlando Police Department. When the detectives ordered him to drop to the ground, Johnson complied, throwing the .38-caliber revolver that he had been carrying. Johnson has had multiple prior felony convictions and, therefore, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

 

This case was investigated by the Orlando Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.