Convicted Felon Out on Bond Charged with Possessing a Machine Gun and Drug Trafficking Crimes

NASHVILLE -A federal criminal complaint filed today charges Keandre Lamont Johnson a/k/a Keandre L. Waters, 27, of Nashville with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful transfer or possession of a machine gun, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.

According to the complaint, on March 21, 2024, the Metro Nashville Police Department ("MNPD") Specialized Investigations Division ("SID") conducted a surveillance operation on South 7^th Street, in the James Cayce Housing Projects in Nashville. During the operation, officers saw Johnson, who they knew had an active warrant for his arrest out of Sumner County and arrested him. While searching Johnson once he was arrested, detectives found a Glock, Model: 27, Caliber: .40, pistol, with a "Glock Switch" Machinegun Conversion Device ("MCD") in his pants. They also found heroin, bags of white powder, oxycodone, plastic baggies, and $400 in cash. Johnson was charged in Davidson County following this arrest.

Johnson has previously been convicted of aggravated burglary and vehicle theft over $1,000, both of which are felonies.

On October 10, 2024, while out on bond from the March 21, 2024, arrest, Johnson was arrested again and charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Felony Firearms offenses stemming from a shooting in East Nashville.

"We remain vigilant so that those on bond will not put others at risk from their release," said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. "These federal charges demonstrate again our office's commitment to protecting the community from those who wreak havoc while illegally possessing firearms."

If convicted on the federal charges, Johnson faces 37-46 months years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens is prosecuting the case.

A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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