A Baltimore man, Michael Johnson—also known by aliases Michael King, Michael Davon Johnson, and Michael Antonio Johnson—has been indicted by a Baltimore City grand jury in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation in the city’s Eastern District.
The indictment, returned on April 2, follows a multi-agency investigation led by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Prosecutors allege Johnson played a central role in a “sprawling open-air drug enterprise” involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, with organized efforts to evade surveillance and arm participants illegally.
The drug operation was allegedly based in the Broadway East neighborhood, centered around the 2300 blocks of East Oliver and East Hoffman Streets. Johnson and several co-defendants are accused of using stash houses, encrypted communications, and “body blocking” to obstruct law enforcement. In some cases, the group allegedly tampered with surveillance cameras or issued alerts on social media to warn about police activity.
Authorities say Johnson operated at both street and managerial levels—handling drug deliveries, directing juveniles to conduct transactions, and managing proceeds. On January 10, law enforcement seized over 800 meth tablets, heroin, cocaine, and drug processing equipment from his possession.
Charges Johnson Faces Include:
Conspiracy to distribute controlled dangerous substances (CDS)
Distribution of fentanyl
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine
Knowing distribution of fentanyl (a separate felony with up to 10 years imprisonment)
Three counts of CDS possession not involving cannabis (misdemeanors)
Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II substance is a felony in Maryland, carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine per count.
Prosecutors cite Johnson’s prior convictions for CDS-related crimes dating back to 2009, including a 2020 conviction and a 2017 guilty finding. In court filings, they argued Johnson poses a significant public safety risk due to his leadership role and the volume of narcotics involved.
At his bond hearing on April 7, Johnson appeared before Judge Martin Schreiber II and is currently represented by attorney Matthew Neubauer. A pretrial conference is scheduled for June 30, 2025.
