Phila. man indicted in drug-trafficking case

A Philadelphia man could face up to life in prison from alleged drug-trafficking activities in Cheltenham and Philadelphia, according to an indictment filed yesterday.

John R. Johnson, 40, is accused of carrying a loaded 9mm pistol while distributing cocaine on Feb. 3 and 9, 2007, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael L. Levy and Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said in a news release.

The statement said Johnson was apprehended through Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative designed to prosecute firearms offenders in federal court, which has stiffer penalties. Johnson is subject to a minimum-mandatory prison term of five years, which would run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, the release said. - Kathleen Brady Shea