Former BLM worker admits wrongfully using government credit card to buy guns

SALT LAKE CITY – A former Bureau of Land Management employee admitted Wednesday to wrongfully using his government-issue credit card to buy guns.

Justin Johnson, 36, of Holden, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of theft and embezzlement of government property.

Johnson used the credit card for a Smith & Wesson .223 rifle and a Springfield Arms .40-caliber pistol between September 2006 and May 2010, according to a federal indictment.

Judge Clark Waddoups set sentencing for March 29. Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison. 

Johnson was originally charged with theft and embezzlement of government property and two counts of money laundering.  The money laundering counts will be dismissed at sentencing as a part of a plea agreement. Johnson has agreed to pay full restitution.

— Dennis Romboy