(Sumter County, FL) Last week, 54-year-old Clyde Edward Johnson Jr. was sentenced to two concurrent Life terms as a Habitual Violent Felony Offender by Judge Mary P. Hatcher.
“We have seen countless times how drugs destroy lives and devastate our communities. Our office is grateful to Judge Hatcher for recognizing the seriousness of this defendant’s crimes, considering his extensive violent history, and ultimately ensuring our community is safe from any possible further harm inflicted by his criminal acts,” said Chief Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie. “With two life sentences, he will no longer be able to profit from this illicit drug enterprise.”
Johnson was previously found guilty back in April of this year of Trafficking Cocaine, Trafficking in Cathinones, Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, Own a Place for Trafficking/Sale/Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
The case against Johnson began on February 15, 2023, after he was arrested by detectives with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). Detectives from SCSO’s Special Investigations Squad executed a search warrant at the premises off NE 12th Drive in Oxford, Florida. Officials were aware of ongoing narcotics sales at the property and conducted an investigation that led to the execution of the narcotics search warrant.
While detectives responded to conduct the search warrant, members of the Special Investigations Squad conducting surveillance made contact with Johnson during a traffic stop. In the defendant’s possession was a key chain that held the key to a fifth-wheel camper and the shed on the property that was the target of the search warrant. Utilizing the defendant’s camper key, detectives made entry into the fifth-wheel.
Upon entering, law enforcement located numerous bags and boxes containing various illicit narcotics that appeared to be prepackaged for sale. During the search, detectives also located a loaded Ruger firearm with additional 9mm ammunition. A criminal history check revealed that Johnson is a convicted felon and registered sexual offender. The defendant was arrested and charged.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Elizabeth Hart and Reagan Chapman.
Published on 09/01/2026.