August 20, 2024
(McKinney, Texas) – District Attorney Greg Will
is’s office secured a 30-year prison sentence for Denzel Johnson, 30, of Allen, Texas, after a jury found him guilty of Possession with Intent to Deliver more than 4 grams, but less than 200 grams of fentanyl.
On December 11, 2022, McKinney Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance at a gas station. The officers found Johnson trying to leave the parking lot in his vehicle and observed Johnson under the influence of some substance. While speaking to Johnson, officers observed a firearm in the driver side floorboard. After a search of the remainder of the vehicle, officers found an envelope containing 60 blue pills, that later forensic testing revealed contained fentanyl and were manufactured to look like Percocet pills. In addition to the fentanyl and firearm, Johnson was also found to have over $7,000 cash on his person.
The punishment phase followed the jury’s finding of guilt. The jury heard that the Allen Police Department had arrested Johnson three times in 2022, all involving fentanyl related offenses. Johnson was able to post bond on these offenses shortly after his arrest. One of those offenses was an October 2022 charge where drugs that Johnson sold were linked by investigators to the death of a 27 year-old individual. The jury heard that Johnson continued to possess significant amounts of fentanyl with intent to sell it up until his arrest in December. The jury also saw evidence from Johnson’s phone, dating back over a year, detailing him selling fentanyl to several other people in North Texas.
The jury assessed punishment at 30 years in prison.
“Fentanyl dealers are dealing death. Johnson did that in October 2022, and despite the consequences, he didn’t stop. Thankfully, law enforcement stepped in and likely saved another life by arresting him again in December. My office will keep pushing for tough prison sentences for anyone selling fentanyl,” said Willis after the sentencing.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ashlyn Scott and Ellie Gonzalez prosecuted the case, aided by District Attorney Investigator Ryan Harvey.
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