GREENFIELD — A man whose defense attorney said was “at the very bottom of (the) totem pole” in a busted cocaine trafficking syndicate changed his plea Friday afternoon, but his case will be continued without a finding for one year.

Damien D. Johnson, 34, of Greenfield, pleaded guilty in Franklin County Superior Court to a single count of conspiracy to violate drug laws, but he will remain a free man unless arrested on a separate charge. If he commits a crime in the next 12 months while on probation, he risks the full penalty of the conspiracy charge in addition to any sentence that comes with the arresting offense.

The continuation without a finding, recommended by Johnson’s attorney and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, was accepted by Judge David Hodge, who first confirmed that the defendant understood the rights he was forfeiting by pleading guilty. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Webber, who is prosecuting the case, said this plea agreement avoids a felony conviction.

Johnson was arrested in December 2021 when authorities broke up a large-scale cocaine trafficking ring following a seven-month investigation involving at least a dozen law enforcement agencies. Brothers Daniel G. Rice, of Hatfield, and Brandon M. Rice, of West Springfield, were the leaders of the ring, which was operating partially out of the barbershop that Daniel owned and operated. The barbershop business no longer exists.

Johnson’s lawyer, Thomas Glynn, told the judge the wiretap that authorities put into place for the investigation revealed that Johnson was “at the very bottom of that totem pole.” He explained Johnson’s involvement was for personal use and “a small level of distribution.” Glynn said his client has not used cocaine since June and works 40 hours a week.

“He seems to be doing well,” the lawyer said.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-930-4120.

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