A Roanoke man described as a "major cocaine distributor in the Roanoke area" pleaded guilty to several federal charges, U.S. Attorney John Brownlee announced Friday.

Wendell Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, attempting to possess and distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute, a news release said. He could face a minimum of 20 years in prison.

According to the summary of evidence heard in court, Johnson had been smuggling cocaine to Roanoke from Florida, New York, North Carolina and Texas since he was released from prison in September 2003, the news release said.

On Sept. 3, 2004, Johnson was stopped in Arkansas for a traffic violation. Johnson led officers on a high-speed chase when the trooper called for a drug-sniffing dog, police said. Johnson crashed into a swamp and then fled on foot. In his vehicle, officers found luggage containing more than 5 kilograms of powder cocaine, police said.

Johnson led Roanoke police on a high-speed chase Aug. 26 when police tried to stop him for a traffic violation, the news release said. He was arrested with a quarter-ounce of cocaine in his possession.

Roanoke police also recovered more than 2 kilograms of cocaine and more than $10,000 belonging to Johnson during a June 6 search of 2414 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., the news release said.

Johnson's sentencing date has not been set.

(C)2005 The Roanoke Times