Project Safe Neighborhoods

Portland Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing and Brandishing a Handgun at a Max Train Platform

Defendant served prison time for prior delivery of a controlled substance conviction

Portland, Ore. Ð Joshua Carl Johnson, 30, Portland, Oregon, was sentenced on OctoberÊ20, 2009, by United States District Judge Michael W. Mosman to serve 84 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson was also ordered to serve a federal supervised release term of three years following his release from prison. Johnson's criminal history includes prior state convictions for delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence, and endangering the welfare of a minor. Defendant pled guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm on November 3, 2008.

On May 25, 2008, Gresham Police officers were flagged down by a witness who had seen Johnson with a handgun at the westbound MAX train platform in the area of 162nd and Burnside. The witness observed Johnson arguing with two women. During the altercation, Johnson pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the women, and then said he was going to shoot them. Gresham Police officers later located Johnson and recovered a Taurus Millennium PT140 Pro .40 caliber handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition from the front right pocket of Johnson's pants. Law enforcement also noticed that Johnson smelled of alcohol, was sweating profusely, and had slurred speech upon arrest.

The Gresham Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives successfully investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Fred W. Slaughter.

All media inquiries about Project Safe Neighborhoods in Oregon should be directed to:

Fred Weinhouse
Assistant U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon
503-727-1000
E-mail: Fred Weinhouse