Last member of Carson City meth trafficking ring sentenced

Last member of major meth trafficking ring was sentenced in Carson City District Court Monday.

Tawnee Johnson, along with six other people, were arrested when Tri-Net Narcotics Task Force raided a house in the 3500 block of Desatoya Drive in early March. Authorities seized nearly 11 ounces of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $30,000.

Johnson was sentenced to 1-3 years on probation and was accepted to the diversion program for conspiracy to violate the uniform substance act, a category D felony. The judge’s decision was influenced by the fact that Johnson’s partner and father of her children, Elvin Fred, was convicted to life in prison for the meth bust and she was the sole financial support for their four children. If Johnson was convicted of a felony, she would lose financial assistance for her children.

She has been in drug court since her arraignment and told the judge that she is working to improve her life for herself and her children.

“What I have learned from my counselor is progress over perfection,” Johnson said. “I am now dedicated to my sobriety for me and my kids.”

If Johnson can successfully complete drug court and probation, she will not have to go to prison and will not have a felony charge on her record.

The rest of the members in the trafficking ring have been convicted of charges for either conspiracy to violate the uniform substance act or trafficking level three.

Also in district court Monday, Cassius Eaken-Ussery pleaded guilty to unlawful contact with a child. Eaken-Ussery told the judge that he engaged in sexual acts with a 15-year-old in December of 2014.

Eaken-Ussery is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 9, and faces a year in prison with a $2,000 fine.