Erie County District Attorney Franks A. Sedita, III announced today that 19 year old Riyad Johnson and his 20 year old brother, Moshaun Johnson a/k/a “Guns” pleaded guilty as charged to a number of felonies involving gun violence and witness intimidation, before Senior County Court Judge Michael D’Amico. These are the highest charges for which both defendants could have been convicted had they gone to trial.

While under indictment for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Riyad Johnson plotted with his brother Moshaun Johnson (was also under indictment for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree regarding a separate incident), to dissuade a key prosecution eyewitness from testifying against Riyad Johnson. Moshaun Johnson contacted the eyewitness and told her, “if my brother does time, I’ll be poppin’ y’all.”

Riyad Johnson pleaded guilty, as charged, to Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, and Witness Tampering; he faces a maximum prison term of 29 years. Moshaun Johnson pleaded guilty, as charged, to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Witness Tampering; he faces a maximum prison term of 19 years. DA Sedita stated: “The Office of the Erie County District Attorney will continue to aggressively prosecute thugs who attempt to intimidate citizens from coming to court.”

Both defendants were prosecuted by ADA Sara Ogden and both are scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2012 before Judge D’Amico.