Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Triston Chacoey Aric Johnson, 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple firearm and drug trafficking charges, including possession of a short-barreled rifle in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The plea was announced by United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida, following incidents on October 1, 2023, and July 17, 2024, involving drug possession, firearm offenses, and a fatal shooting.
Details of the Charges and Incidents
Johnson admitted guilt to charges including possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and marijuana, and possession of ammunition by an unlawful user of controlled substances. These charges stem from two separate events that underscore a pattern of armed drug-related activity.
On October 1, 2023, Johnson fled from a Florida A&M University (FAMU) police officer. Surveillance footage showed him concealing a purple bag, which a FAMU employee later discovered to contain two firearms, marijuana packaged for sale, mushrooms, a digital scale with drug residue, and Johnson’s personal identification cards.
The second incident occurred on July 17, 2024, when Johnson engaged in a verbal altercation with another individual. Both men were armed, and Johnson shot the other individual, who was fatally struck in the heart. The other individual returned fire, accidentally injuring his girlfriend multiple times as Johnson fled the scene.
Post-Homicide Investigation and Seizures
Following the homicide, the Tallahassee Police Department executed a search warrant at Johnson’s apartment. Investigators discovered a significant cache of illicit items, including loose oxycodone pills, approximately 1.4 pounds of marijuana, and over 25 empty one-pound vacuum seal bags with marijuana residue. They also found various types of ammunition and a short-barreled rifle that had been reported stolen from a Leon County Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
Law Enforcement Collaboration and Sentencing
U.S. Attorney Heekin lauded the collaborative efforts of state, local, and federal law enforcement partners in detecting and investigating these crimes. Heekin emphasized his office’s commitment to fulfilling the promise of President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively pursue and prosecute armed drug traffickers.
Johnson now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment. The investigation involved the Tallahassee Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the FAMU Department of Campus Safety and Security. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2025, at 10:00 am, before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
