All eight defendants charged in a federal wiretap investigation have now been sentenced, with the alleged leader receiving 225 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and firearms in Burlington County.
Eight current or former Burlington County residents have been sentenced to federal prison following a long-term investigation into a drug and firearms trafficking network operating in South Jersey, federal prosecutors announced.
The final defendant sentenced was Mansfield Johnson, also known as “Money Mike,” a 40-year-old Florence resident who received 225 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release on May 28.
Federal wiretap investigation dismantled trafficking operation
According to U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, the defendants were charged as a result of a federal wiretap investigation that uncovered the distribution of fentanyl, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and illegal firearms between August 2023 and February 2024.
Johnson pleaded guilty in September 2025 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Prosecutors said Johnson also admitted to dealing both powder and crack cocaine and using threats of violence to protect his drug trafficking activities.
“Johnson also used threats of violence to protect his drug trafficking,” court documents stated.
Multiple defendants sentenced on drug and gun charges
Among those sentenced was Michael McCray, known as “Gutter,” who received 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Artus Johnson, known as “Tru,” was sentenced to 96 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, while Jamhal Phillips received 60 months for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
Alteric Hines was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Melody Stratton received a 36-month sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to traffic firearms.
Firearms sold to undercover agent
Federal authorities said Johnson, Hines, Stratton, and Shameke Fowler conspired to illegally traffic firearms and sold a firearm to an undercover agent during the investigation.
Fowler, known as “Murder,” was sentenced to 30 months in prison, consecutive to an additional 12-month sentence for violating the terms of a prior federal supervised release.
Investigators ultimately recovered four firearms during the case.
Agencies used wiretaps, undercover purchases
Authorities said the investigation relied on court-authorized wiretaps, intercepted phone calls and text messages, confidential sources, controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, and firearms, and the execution of multiple search warrants.
Federal prosecutors credited the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New Jersey State Police, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and numerous local police departments throughout Burlington County and the surrounding region for their roles in the investigation.
The charges resulted in prison sentences ranging from 18 months to 225 months.
Key Points
• Eight Burlington County-area defendants have been sentenced following a federal wiretap investigation into drug and firearm trafficking.
• Mansfield Johnson, known as “Money Mike,” received 225 months in prison for fentanyl, cocaine, and firearm offenses.
• Investigators recovered four firearms and used wiretaps, undercover purchases, confidential sources, and search warrants during the case.
