Monroe man convicted of federal drug, weapons charges

Published 10:14 pm Tuesday, May 18, 2010

SEATTLE — A Monroe man was convicted Tuesday of four federal drug and weapons charges and is facing at least 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors accused Michael Anthony Johnson, 38, of being a drug runner with ties to the Mexican drug cartel known as “La Familia.” Police raided Johnson’s Monroe house in October and discovered methamphetamine, an assault rifle and other weapons, including a hand grenade. Phone records showed that Johnson was distributing meth for a drug trafficking ring connected with the cartel, said Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Cornell.

Cornell also is a Snohomish County deputy prosecutor assigned to prosecute drug crimes in federal court.

Investigators seized 27 pounds of methamphetamine plus cocaine, guns and $150,000 in cash. Prosecutors have charged 22 people in connection with the drug ring.

A jury deliberated for about six hours before convicting Johnson. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 27.