A Long Beach resident was convicted by a federal jury for distributing fentanyl-laced cocaine that led to the overdose deaths of an engaged couple in Orange County.
Stephen Johnson, 43, also known as “Stephen Jo,” was found guilty on two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and two counts of distribution of cocaine. The verdict followed a four-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Johnson sold $240 worth of cocaine to the victims on May 24, 2023. After attending a concert in West Hollywood, the couple returned to Johnson’s residence early on May 25 to collect more cocaine, which contained fentanyl. They later consumed the drugs at their home in Brea and died from overdoses.
United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson has set sentencing for April 20. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and could receive up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Brea Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Y. Fu, Christopher R. Jones, Christina R.B. López, and William Kanellis prosecuted the matter.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is responsible for prosecuting federal criminal cases and handling civil matters within its district, which includes Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Riverside offices. The office works with law enforcement partners across seven counties to ensure public safety for over 19 million residents.
“United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson scheduled an April 20 sentencing hearing, at which time Johnson will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”
“The FBI and the Brea Police Department investigated this matter.”
“Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Y. Fu of the Orange County Office, Christopher R. Jones, Christina R.B. López, and William Kanellis of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this matter.”
