Yavapai County Jury Convicts Five-Time Felon

Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane announced that on May 23, 2024, a Yavapai County Jury convicted 28-year-old Kyle Austin Johnson, of Jerome, Arizona, of Misconduct Involving Weapons (Prohibited Possessor).

            County Attorney Dennis McGrane commended the Prescott Police Department for apprehending Johnson and taking an illegally possessed weapon off of the streets. McGrane complimented Deputy County Attorney Nathan Best’s thorough trial presentation, and thanked the jurors for carefully paying attention to the evidence presented at the trial.

County Attorney McGrane stated, “An important factor in deterring gun crime is enforcing the laws we already have on the books. Arizona law prohibits many convicted felons from possessing weapons. I want to send a clear message that unlike some places in California or New York, convicted felons who illegally possess guns in Yavapai County will be vigorously prosecuted. I hope the prison sentence that Mr. Johnson receives will act as a deterrent to others who think they can get away with committing crimes here.”

            County Attorney McGrane explained that the case began with a December 21, 2023 traffic stop by the Prescott Police Department. An alert officer arrested Johnson, who was a passenger in the vehicle, after learning Johnson had outstanding arrest warrants. The officer discovered a loaded 9 mm handgun in Johnson’s waistband. It was eventually determined that Johnson had five prior felony convictions and had served prison time in two states.

            Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. before the Honorable Debra R. Phelan of the Yavapai County Superior Court. Johnson is facing 2.25 to 12 years in prison.