Two arrested in Ironwood on drug charges

IRONWOOD — Two men are facing drug charges following their arrest in Ironwood Wednesday.

Ira Asher Wilson-Johnson, 21, is charged with possession with intent to deliver less than 50 grams of cocaine, possession of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to deliver alpazolam (a Schedule 4 controlled substance also known as Xanax), possession of Alprazolam within 1,000 feet of a school and felony firearm.

Morgan R. Gibson, 22, of Chicago, is charged with possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana and a weapons violation for failing to present a concealed-carry license as a non-resident.

In a separate case, Wilson-Johnson is also facing charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school and maintaining a drug house.

The additional charges came after a member of the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team went to Wilson-Johnson’s Ironwood house to arrest him on the charges in this separate case, according to a GIANT press release.

“While the officer was talking to the two male individuals the officer believed that there may be additional evidence,” a GIANT spokesperson said in the release, “which would further the criminal investigation and assist in a successful prosecution of the individuals involved in the distribution of controlled substances in the local area.”

A search warrant was obtained for the residence, according to the release, and additional officers were requested to assist with the search.

The search allegedly resulted in the seizure of approximately ½ ounce of cocaine, approximately ½ pound of marijuana, prescription medication, three pistols, money and other items allegedly used to distribute controlled substances, according to the release.

The alleged drugs were estimated to have an approximate street value of $5,000, according to the release.

The potential maximum sentences against the two range from up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000 for the cocaine charge to 90 days in jail and/or $100 fine for Gibson’s weapons violation.

The two are currently lodged at the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department. Ira Asher Wilson-Johnson’s bond is set at $150,000, of which 10 percent must be posted to secure his release. Gibson’s bond is set at $20,000, or 10 percent.

—Richard Jenkins