PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal drug and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count Indictment names Edward Johnson, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on September 20, 2018 Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack, as well as quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and ketamine. In addition to the narcotics violations, the Indictment alleges that Johnson unlawfully possessed two pistols in furtherance of the drug offense, after having sustained a prior felony conviction. The Indictment further alleges that, on July 25, 2019, Johnson unlawfully possessed two additional firearms, including an AR-pistol, which according to a Criminal Complaint that was filed on July 25, 2019, was concealed in a child’s toy box. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a maximum total fine of $6,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains in custody, pending the resolution of this case.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Ohio pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to one year and a day in jail, and ordered to make $4,000 in restitution on his conviction of passing and uttering counterfeit money, obligations, or securities, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on David Edward Johnson, 51.

According to information presented to the court, on eight separate dates, Johnson passed 65 counterfeit United States Federal Reserve notes in Western Pennsylvania.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Secret Service, the Millcreek Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.