Oregon – Dana Lee Johnson, a 41-year-old man from Bend, Oregon, has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of possessing methamphetamine and a firearm. This case highlights ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking and firearm possession among individuals with significant criminal backgrounds.
Uncovering the Crime
The incident leading to Johnson’s arrest began on March 26, 2021, when a housekeeper at the Tetherow Resort in Bend discovered a bag containing suspected drugs in a guest room.
Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies responded and found a one-gallon plastic bag with approximately one quarter pound of methamphetamine, along two hypodermic needles and a metal safe in the room. Further investigation of the safe revealed an additional half-pound of methamphetamine.
Hotel records confirmed that Johnson was the last guest in the room. Johnson, who already had a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding felony warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, exacerbated his legal troubles by contacting the hotel to inquire about the safe he left behind.
Catching a Fugitive
Johnson’s actions led to increased scrutiny, and on April 8, law enforcement officers located and stopped him while he was traveling in a rental vehicle.
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A search of the vehicle unearthed more than $7,000 in cash, a rental car agreement under Johnson’s name, and a black backpack. The backpack contained another half-pound of methamphetamine, nearly a half-pound of heroin, and a loaded semi-automatic pistol.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene indicted Johnson on multiple counts, including the illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
After months of legal proceedings, Johnson pleaded guilty on October 11, 2023, to the charges of illegal firearm possession and methamphetamine distribution.
Johnson’s sentencing to 151 months in federal prison and subsequent five years of supervised release underscore the severity of his offenses.
This case was investigated by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, with additional support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Delph led the prosecution, marking a significant legal conclusion to a serious case of drug and firearm offenses in Oregon.
