Pensacola Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Offense

Pensacola, Florida - Damien R. Johnson, 47, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: "Keeping dangerous, armed felons off our streets is the most effective way to improve public safety for our communities. Thanks to the excellent work of the Pensacola Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to ensure this defendant is kept off the streets and behind bars where he belongs."

Court documents reflect that in February 2026, Johnson fled from a Pensacola residence during Pensacola Police Department's execution of a residential search warrant. Johnson attempted to evade capture but was quickly apprehended by officers. Johnson discarded a firearm during law enforcement's pursuit. In 2001, Johnson had previously been convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.

Johnson faces up to 15 years' imprisonment and up to a three-year term of supervised release. Thus, if Johnson were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.

The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker are prosecuting the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of FloridaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. website. For more information about the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.