ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sherrod Johnson, aka “Rod,” age 28, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing heroin with intent to distribute it on two separate occasions in 2019 and 2020, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2020.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman; John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
In pleading guilty, Johnson admitted to possessing and intending to distribute heroin mixed with fentanyl discovered in his apartment on Seventh Avenue in Troy in March 2019. Over a year later, on April 1, 2020, law enforcement observed Johnson flash a handgun on Facebook Live and the following morning attempted to stop Johnson in the Corliss Park area of Troy. Johnson fled, and as he was pursued by police, placed a loaded .40 caliber handgun in a grill. Johnson was ultimately captured and in searching his Corliss Park apartment, law enforcement discovered 18 bundles of heroin and four digital scales. Johnson, who possessed over $5,600 in cash at the time of his arrest, admitted to possessing and intending to distribute the 18 bundles of heroin and to possessing the handgun to protect his heroin and drug proceeds.
At sentencing, Johnson faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a term of post-release supervision of between 3 years and life, and a fine of up to $1.25 million.
The case was investigated by the ATF, DEA, and the Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
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