Chris Johnson has earned an impression reputation both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. His background as an "insider" in the federal justice system has given him an edge in federal criminal defense. These are a few of the many high profile cases that Chris has handled while with the Department of Justice.
BANK/BANKRUPTCY FRAUD
An Organized Crime leader charged with bank and bankruptcy fraud that had fled the United States after indictment was ultimately arrested while purportedly arranging the $10 million contract murder of the leading presidential candidate of Taiwan.
CONTRACT MURDER/ASSASSINATION
An alleged former KGB contract assassin, who was arranging for a contract murder of a witness while incarcerated at a United States
Penitentiary where he was serving a 65 year sentence for his role in an armed robbery/murder.
THEFT OF MILITARY TRADE SECRETS
Directed the Grand Jury investigation and indictment of several former Boeing Company managers for their role in the largest alleged theft of trade secrets case in United States history, as well as the theft of proprietary bidding and cost data related to the $2 billion Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle rocket system being developed for the United States Air Force.
ORGANIZED CRIME/MURDER FOR HIRE
A three year Russian Organized Crime investigation that resulted in the prosecution of thirty defendants in twelve indictments that included charges of bank, wire and mail fraud, narcotics trafficking, illegal silencers and machine guns, as well as solicitation of murder-for-hire of an attorney and his wife, a judge.
INTERNET-BASED IDENTITY THEFT
Conspiracy to commit identity theft and Internet sale of counterfeit identification, resulted in the indictment of 10 defendants who were
attempting to acquire false identification in order to perpetrate identity theft crimes.
CREDIT CARD/RETAIL FRAUD
A sophisticated credit card fraud ring whereby restaurant workers would use electronic skimmers to harvest credit card account information, and retail workers at major electronics retail stores (including Best Buy and Circuit City) would allow the use of the counterfeit credit cards to purchase expensive high tech equipment including laptop computers and plasma televisions. An extensive financial investigation led to the detection and conviction of the 10 defendants.
INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRADE
A four year investigation and series of coordinated, multi-district prosecutions involving the take-over robbery and kidnapping of Asian computer businesses with inventories of high-value computer components. The goal of this criminal organization, comprised of Asian Organized Crime members, was to raise approximately $15,000,000 from the robberies, then use the cash to monopolize the wholesale heroin trade between Thailand and New York. This investigation resulted in the conviction of more than 100 defendants, including the organization's "ring leaders" on RICO charges following a prolonged trial.
DEFENSE CASES
Since leaving the Department of Justice several years ago, Chris has had defense success similar to his work as a Government prosecutor. These defense victories include:
DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Sensing possible irregularities in the government acquisition of computer evidence, Chris was able to extract admissions from the key federal investigator that there were omissions from the search warrant that had been "covered up." The investigator ultimately admitted to deception and the charges were dismissed.
SEXUAL ASSAULT/RAPE
Prior to formal charges, Chris went on the offensive and challenged the credibility of the purported victim. His client went on to pass a polygraph examination and demanded that the "victim" do the same. Charges were never formally brought and the suspect, a decorated United States Marine, went back about his business.
DRUG DISTRIBUTION
In this hotly contested federal trial in July 2007, Chris was able to destroy each of the government "witnesses" during cross-examination, getting each to admit that they had previously lied and admitting that they had no choice but to testify in that manner, otherwise, they would "lose their deals." The jury took 2 hours to acquit on all seven charges.
Chris is currently representing clients charged with a wide variety of crimes, including murder, bank fraud, real estate fraud, drug distribution,
weapons offenses, and a variety of military offenses.
