Alton career criminal sentenced to 188 months in federal prison

BENTON, Ill. - A district judge sentenced an Alton man to prison after he was arrested by police in possession of drugs and a firearm as a felon.

Nathan A. Johnson, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Charged as an armed career criminal, Johnson has 14 previous felony convictions including aggravated domestic battery, aggravated battery and domestic battery in Madison County state court.

"Fourteen previous felony convictions with federal charges added to his rap sheet represent a clear and blatant disregard for the law and common decency," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "Johnson has been a thorn in the Alton community's side, but thanks to diligent work by officers, he's headed back to prison."

According to court documents, Alton police initiated a traffic stop on Johnson's vehicle on Feb. 21, 2025. While parked in the driveway of a known drug house, Johnson tried to dispose of a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol and a bag of nearly six grams of fentanyl. Police discovered the pistol had been reported as stolen.

The Alton Police Department led the investigation with assistance from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.