Nonprofit worker addressing homelessness in LA taken into custody at MacArthur Park with fentanyl and meth.

Nonprofit Employee Arrested for Drug Possession

An employee from a nonprofit in Los Angeles, which has received substantial funding to address homelessness, was arrested after police found fentanyl and methamphetamine in his car.

Christopher Johnson, who works for People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), was pulled over on May 5th in his white BMW for not having a front license plate. When officers approached, he seemed visibly anxious and a bag containing a substance that looked like methamphetamine was visible in the center console, according to a police affidavit.

Officers also noticed two knives tucked into Johnson’s waistband. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to speeding.

Further investigation of his vehicle revealed 142 grams of a mixed substance, which included trace amounts of fentanyl and approximately 46 grams of methamphetamine.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. However, on Thursday morning, federal agents arrested him again based on a warrant linked to his earlier arrest.

Authorities discovered a pipe and syringe in his vehicle. Additionally, he had a PATH backpack and a business card identifying him as a substance use disorder specialist.

Bill Ezeiri, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, commented, “There have long been rumors that those distributing syringes are also involved in drug trafficking. This poses several issues. We shouldn’t be facilitating a drug crisis while receiving millions to assist drug users. Many employees at these nonprofits are well-compensated.”

Ezeiri noted that given the amount of drugs found, Johnson might be facing a minimum of five years in federal prison. He expressed concern about how many individuals battling addiction were employed in roles designed to assist the homeless.

“His previous gun and drug charges raise serious questions regarding his employment at this agency,” he added.

Earlier this month, the FBI conducted a raid in MacArthur Park as part of its initiative to combat crime in the area. Ezeiri mentioned that law enforcement intends to maintain a regular presence to deter drug activity from returning.