Federal judge deliberating charges in 'worst of the worst' arrest

Jumoke Johnson works on a college application in the library of Brainerd High School on Monday, April 16, 2012.

Jumoke Johnson works on a college application in the library of Brainerd High School on Monday, April 16, 2012.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

photo This is a file photo of Jumoke Johnson Jr. while in school.

A federal judge will now decide if the bulk of evidence against a local man charged in a major cocaine raid will be tossed out of court.

Jumoke Johnson, Jr., one of 34 men charged by federal agents in a roundup last year, argues that mistakes in a wiretap warrant should mean that evidence not be used against him.

The group was dubbed the "worst of the worst" by local authorities after a November 2013 press conference, and was the alleged source of major cocaine trafficking in the Chattanooga area.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Carter heard arguments from Johnson's attorney, Hugh Moore, and federal prosecutor Chris Poole during a two and a half hour hearing this morning.

Carter's decision is expected within a week.