MONROE — The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Sirkeameo Vandrell Johnson, 32, of Monroe—previously convicted by a federal jury for multiple drug trafficking and firearm offenses—was indicted again on October 21, 2026, for assault allegedly committed during his prior court proceedings.“The Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel requires citizen-attorneys to step up and serve that core constitutional function for our communities, and their safety while performing that important service is essential to maintaining our Constitutional society,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office has zero tolerance for any assault that occurs inside a federal courthouse and will investigate and prosecute any such assault to the fullest extent of the law.”Previously, on September 30, 2026, following a two day trial before United States Chief District Judge Terry A. Doughty, Johnson was found guilty of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. For these crimes, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least fifteen years and up to life imprisonment. Sentencing in this case is scheduled for January 6, 2027, and a press release is available here.The new indictment alleges that on September 30, 2026, the same day as his prior conviction and while still in the federal courthouse, Johnson assaulted the victim, a court-appointed Criminal Justice Act attorney who was representing Johnson in a criminal case, by “striking, beating, and wounding him.”U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey Stelly with assistance from Legal Assistant Kimberly Blanchard.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 3:26-cr-00413.CONTACT:Public Affairs(337) 262-6704Cara.Alexander@usdoj.govwww.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Source: U.S. Department of Justice