TYLER, TX—United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced today that a 31-year-old Longview man has pleaded guilty to federal drug crimes in the Eastern District of Texas. WILLIAM EARL JOHNSON, JR., pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine before United States Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, since approximately January 2006, Johnson was part of a drug distribution ring dealing crack cocaine to others in and around the Longview, Texas area. An 87-count federal superseding indictment was returned on May 13, 2008, charging 29 individuals, including Johnson, with federal crimes.

Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $2 million. A sentencing date has not been set at this time.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the East Texas HIDTA Violent Crimes Task Force, the Gregg County C.O.D.E. Unit, the Gregg County Sheriff's Office, the Longview Police Department, the Gregg County District Attorney's Office, and the Kilgore Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Moore.

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