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Gun Possession Charges: What the Pensacola Case Means for “Operation Take Back America”

August 22, 2025, 5:11 PM

The sleek, black weapon reflects a future of advanced technology and potential conflict. By Miami Daily Life / MiamiDaily.Life.

Executive Summary

Michael Stephen Johnson of Pensacola has been federally indicted on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted, with arraignment scheduled for August 28, 2025.

The indictment is part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating violent crime and other criminal organizations.

Laws and Precedent

Michael Stephen Johnson has been federally indicted on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a federal offense typically prosecuted under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, indicating that the charge likely falls under statutes with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, such as the Armed Career Criminal Act, which imposes severe sentences for felons with three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses who possess a firearm.

Pensacola, Florida – Michael Stephen Johnson, 58, of Pensacola, has been federally indicted on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced Friday, August 22, 2025. The indictment follows a shooting incident and is part of the nationwide initiative, Operation Take Back America, aimed at combating violent crime. Johnson faces significant prison time if convicted.

Upcoming Arraignment and Potential Penalties

Johnson is scheduled to appear for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola on August 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. If found guilty, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Investigation and Prosecution Details

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan is leading the prosecution efforts for the government.

Part of “Operation Take Back America”

This case falls under the umbrella of Operation Take Back America, a comprehensive Department of Justice initiative. This program focuses on repelling illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protecting communities from violent offenders. It integrates resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

Legal Presumption of Innocence

It is important to note that an indictment represents an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a federal criminal law violation. This is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The government bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

Johnson’s federal indictment underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to its Operation Take Back America initiative. The upcoming legal proceedings will determine his culpability in the firearm possession charge.