Drug bust suspect pleads not guilty

BANGOR — The second man arrested more than a month ago in the largest crack cocaine bust ever in Bangor pleaded not guilty this week to five drug-related charges.

Anthony Johnson of New York City, whose age is listed as “allegedly 42 or 43” on a court document, appeared Oct. 26 before Magistrate Judge Eugene Beaulieu at U.S. District Court.

Johnson, whose real identity has been questioned by law enforcement authorities, pleaded not guilty to five counts — specifically one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distributing cocaine base — also known as crack cocaine; two counts of distribution of cocaine base, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. A fifth count orders the forfeiture of $5,970 in alleged drug money discovered during his arrest Sept. 16.

He faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines if convicted.

Johnson and Charles Lattimore, 38, were arrested at an apartment at 71 Third St. in Bangor by police and agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. The officials stormed the apartment after months of gathering evidence and seized 28 grams of crack cocaine. The street value of the substance is $5,000 to $6,000.

Lattimore pleaded not guilty to the same charges last week in a hearing at federal court.

Johnson was returned to Piscataquis County Jail, where he and Lattimore have been held since their arrests.