Jumoke Johnson Jr., the reputed young gang kingpin who went to college but wound up back on the streets, is headed to federal prison.
On Monday a judge sentenced Johnson, 21, to 65 months prison in connection with the 2013 roundup of a crack cocaine ring that netted more than 30 other men. About half have been sentenced and face between one and 10 years in prison. Johnson pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine.
The sentence seemed in many ways like the final stamp on a years-long saga that painted Johnson first as a gifted teenage gang leader, then as a reformed and eager student, and finally as one of Chattanooga’s “worst” criminals.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Poole chose that third portrayal.
“I think he’s the most dangerous person that you have sentenced in this courtroom,” Poole told U.S. District Judge Harry S. Mattice.