08 Apr San Rafael drug suspect hit with federal charges – Marin Independent Journal
A suspected drug dealer in San Rafael has been arrested for the third time in five months, but this time for a federal indictment.
Johnny Earl Henderson, 59, appeared in federal court in San Francisco on Friday to face charges of methamphetamine distribution and being a felon in possession of ammunition. The federal arraignment was delayed until Monday and Henderson remains in custody.
The federal charges stem from investigations by the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, which has been scrutinizing Henderson for nearly a year. The task force alleges that Henderson has been involved in drug sales from his home on Yosemite Road in the Contempo Marin neighborhood.
In late October, the task force led dual raids at Henderson’s home and the Novato residence of an alleged supplier, 32-year-old Timothy Melchior. Investigators arrested both men and seized marijuana, cash and suspected meth, cocaine and heroin.
Henderson was released on bail while his case proceeded in court. Meanwhile, the task force developed information about more alleged drug sales at the property, this time involving meth and fentanyl powder.
The task force organized another raid in late January and arrested Henderson again. He was released on bail again.
After the second arrest, investigators referred the case to federal authorities for review, said sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Petersen, assistant commander of the task force. A federal grand jury indicted Henderson in March, and investigators obtained an arrest warrant.
On Thursday, authorities stopped Henderson’s car while he was on his way to the Marin courthouse for his local cases. Federal agents arrested him on the indictment, and investigators executed another search warrant at the Yosemite Road residence.
“As a result of this third warrant, additional methamphetamine packaged for sales and an unknown white powder were seized,” Petersen said. “Lab testing of the various powders seized in these series of cases is ongoing.”
In an interview with the Marin Independent Journal in February, Henderson denied both selling and using illegal drugs. Henderson said he had not used drugs in 19 years and is a sponsor for other recovering users.
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