A federal jury has found a 41-year-old convicted felon guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg recently announced that Ocala resident Nishera Remon Johnson is facing a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to life in federal prison, for the firearm offense. In addition, she is facing a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life imprisonment, for the drug offense.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on November 26, 2019, investigators searched a vehicle belonging to Johnson and found nearly two pounds of methamphetamine. They also found evidence of a marijuana growing operation at Johnson’s residence.
When the home was searched pursuant to a warrant in December 2020, agents located numerous firearms and ammunition along with nearly half a kilogram of powder cocaine. In a shed behind the home, agents discovered the hidden marijuana growing operation.
Johnson had been living at the home with her minor child and a co-defendant. Johnson, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the City of Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Johnson on September 22, 2022. A grand jury had indicted Johnson on September 2, 2020.