In federal court: Southeast Missouri man pleads guilty to firearms charge

The U.S. attorney's office released the following information Tuesday for defendants who appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr.

Pleaded guilty

Name: Antonio R. Johnson

Age: 34

Residence: Southeast Missouri

Charges: Being a felon in possession of a firearm

Summary: Just past midnight Oct. 9, the Cape Girardeau Police Department was informed of a fight that had broken out in front of the Billiard Center on North Main Street and that gunshots were fired. Upon arrival, officers saw Johnson running north on Main Street and then toward the Cape Girardeau floodwall. He was taken into custody, and a Ruger .380-caliber pistol was found on the street nearby. Johnson attempted to throw the pistol over the floodwall, but the pistol struck a metal light pole and bounced back into the street. Johnson is prohibited from possession firearms due to his conviction in 2000 for second-degree assault. He faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Oct. 15.