Gulfport, Miss – Courtney Lynell Johnson, 29, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 115 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Judge Ozerden also ordered Johnson to pay a $5,000 fine.
On October 21, 2019, a Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Johnson near the 45 mile marker of I-10 east bound. Upon questioning, Johnson stated that she was driving from Houston, Texas to pick up her sister in Gautier, Mississippi. A number of other incidents and factors made law enforcement suspicious, and the deputy subsequently asked Johnson for permission to search the vehicle. Johnson agreed and gave consent. A duffle bag, which Johnson claimed ownership of, was located in the trunk. A subsequent search of the bag’s contents revealed 100% pure methamphetamine (ICE) weighing 3,001.6 grams.
Johnson was arrested, advised of her Miranda rights, and agreed to answer questions. DEA agents learned that Johnson was transporting the methamphetamine from the Houston, Texas area to Gautier, Mississippi.
Johnson was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on February 28, 2020.
The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.