Previously convicted felon Vernon Johnson, 54, was arrested after a search warrant at a Knoxville motel led to the discovery of numerous narcotics and a stolen firearm.

On Friday, January 24, 2025, members of the Knoxville Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, Special Operations Squad, and Community Engagement Response Team conducted a search warrant at a room at the Inn of Knoxville, located on N. Cherry Street.

The search warrant was conducted in relation to an ongoing investigation being led by the Drug-Related Death Task Force.

The search warrant, which included a search of Johnson’s vehicle, resulted in the seizure of over 68 grams of suspected meth, various amounts of suspected heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana, a stolen handgun and over $4,000 in cash.

Johnson was taken into custody on numerous felony drug charges in addition to possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

The Drug-Related Death Task investigation remains ongoing at this time.