Daytona Drug Distributor Pleads Guilty, Faces Life In Prison

Daytona Beach, FL - The head of a Daytona Beach drug organization pleads guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and could now face life in prison along with his conspirators. A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Florida (USAO) says 29-year-old Maxwell Johnson will learn whether he will spend 10 years or life in prison following a sentencing hearing that is set for March 16th. According to USAO, court documents show that Johnson worked with a network of conspirators in the Daytona Beach area to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl-laced heroin, and cocaine between April and July of 2020. During the investigation into Johnson’s organization, investigators seized over two kilograms of fentanyl-laced heroin, over 500 grams of cocaine, and over 140 grams of methamphetamine, along with tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds. So far, eight of Johnson’s nine conspirators have also pleaded guilty to co-conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and could also serve life in prison. A final defendant, who USAO has identified as Gena Walker of Ormond Beach, is scheduled to go to trial during the March 2021 trial term. The FBI, DEA, the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office aided in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill is slated to prosecute the case.