Jumoke Johnson works on a college application in the library of Brainerd High School on Monday, April 16, 2012. Jumoke Johnson, labeled by prosecutors as the most dangerous person ever sentenced in U.S. Eastern District Court, received a 65-month sentence after pleading guilty to a drug conspiracy charge.
Johnson, 21, a reputedly notorious local criminal who prosecutors say is tied to a large number of murders and shootings, has been on the police radar since he was named in a drive-by shooting at age 16. Prosecutors said shootings dropped dramatically in the month after he was arrested.
Chris Poole, assistant U.S. District Attorney, minced no words when describing Johnson to Judge Harry Mattice.
“I think he’s the most dangerous person that you have sentenced in this courtroom,” Poole said.
“You realize I have sentenced murderers in this courtroom?,” Mattice replied.
“You’re sentencing a murderer today,” the DA replied.
But Johnson’s attorney, Hugh Moore, said there’s no evidence to support anything more than what Johnson pleaded guilty to: a drug charge.
“There’s just as much evidence that he’s responsible for there not being elephants in Hamilton County,” Moore retorted when it was his turn to speak.
Johnson could have faced between 60 and 71 months in prison for his charge.
Johnson was featured in the Times Free Press in 2012 as he worked to graduate from Brainerd High School. He was described as bright student and leader among his peers. As a result of the coverage, Johnson was given a college scholarship by a donor in the community to cover expenses not covered by financial aid.