Collier County Circuit Judge John McGowan handed down a 20‑year prison term Thursday to Johnnie Lee Green, 52, after a jury convicted him of selling crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a house of worship. The offense occurred on South Second Street, just 215 feet from an Immokalee church, a location the court emphasized as a place where residents should feel safe.

Background and Prior Record

Green’s criminal history in Collier County stretches back to 1991 and includes convictions for burglary, grand theft, violent resistance to arrest, and multiple drug offenses. Over the past three decades, he has repeatedly violated the law, culminating in the current habitual‑felony offender sentence, which carries a mandatory 20‑year term.

Previous Church‑Zone Offense

In 2020, Green previously pleaded guilty after undercover detectives caught him selling cocaine near another local house of worship. He served three years for that offense before returning to the streets, where he resumed illegal activity near the same church.

Law Enforcement Response

Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said, “Selling dangerous drugs in our community is unacceptable. Doing so near a church where people should feel safe makes it even more disturbing.” He added that the sentence will keep Green from threatening the safety of the community for the next two decades.

Legal Context

Florida law prohibits the sale of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a place of worship. Violations trigger enhanced penalties, including the habitual‑felony offender designation, which mandates a minimum 20‑year prison term for repeat offenders. The law is intended to protect congregants and preserve the sanctity of religious spaces.

Impact on the Community

The sentencing sends a clear message to those who would endanger neighborhoods by operating drug markets near schools, churches, and other community gathering places. Local leaders and faith‑based groups have praised the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding families and preserving the moral fabric of Immokalee.

Next Steps

Green will be transferred to a state prison to begin his sentence. The case underscores ongoing efforts by Collier County law‑enforcement agencies to crack down on drug activity in proximity to vulnerable community institutions.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.