A New Orleans man has pleaded guilty to several drug trafficking and firearms offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Ryan Johnson, 22, entered his plea on August 13, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
Johnson admitted to conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, tramadol, and marijuana, as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Court documents show that Johnson was arrested on September 1, 2023, while driving a stolen car in Joe Brown Park in New Orleans. Police officers recovered a Glock Model 23 firearm under his seat and found marijuana and tapentadol inside the vehicle. After being released on bond following this arrest, Johnson continued selling marijuana and tapentadol. In March 2024, he was seen driving another stolen car. On March 28, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence where they found firearms belonging to Johnson and a co-defendant. Officers also seized Johnson’s backpack containing marijuana, tapentadol, a face mask, gloves, and burglary tools.
If convicted for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release. For the firearms conspiracy conviction he could receive up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines along with up to three years of supervised release. The conviction for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years—up to life—which must run consecutively with any other sentence imposed; it also includes fines up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release. Each count requires an additional special assessment fee of $100.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates law enforcement agencies at all levels with community organizations aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence across neighborhoods nationwide. The Department’s violent crime reduction strategy launched on May 26, 2021 focuses on building trust within communities while supporting prevention efforts through local organizations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman from the Violent Crime Unit is prosecuting.
