(Sumter County, FL) Last week, 53-year-old Clyde Edward Johnson Jr. was found guilty by a jury on all charges. During the two-day trial, prosecutors presented irrefutable evidence that led to Johnson’s conviction of Trafficking Cocaine, Trafficking in Cathinones, Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by a Felon, Own a Place for Trafficking/Sale/Manufacture of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Paraphernalia.

On February 15, 2023, Johnson 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 04/20/2026.