Trenton man sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for shootout with federal agent

A Trenton man has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for a brazen armed robbery and shootout with an undercover federal agent during a botched firearms sting in 2021, authorities announced.

Jabree Johnson, 30, previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime—charges that could have carried even steeper penalties had the case gone to trial.

U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp handed down the 14-year sentence Wednesday, along with five years of supervised release and an order to forfeit the weapon used in the attack.

The harrowing encounter unfolded on March 22, 2021, when federal agents investigating firearms trafficking in Trenton and Hamilton arranged an undercover gun purchase from Johnson.

According to court documents, Johnson entered the agent’s vehicle and handed over a black semi-automatic pistol. But when the agent asked to inspect additional firearms, Johnson suddenly turned the loaded weapon on the officer, demanding money instead.

Fearing for his life, the agent complied, handing over the cash intended for the firearms deal. Johnson then forced the officer out of the vehicle at gunpoint—a move that triggered a frantic exchange of gunfire.

The agent drew his service weapon and shot Johnson in the shoulder, while Johnson fired multiple rounds back before fleeing with the stolen money.

Authorities later tracked Johnson to a local hospital, where he was arrested and linked to the assault. The sentencing marks the close of a case that underscores the dangers federal agents face while working undercover in high-stakes firearms investigations.

“This defendant’s violent actions endangered the life of a law enforcement officer and demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger in a statement. “Today’s sentence ensures he will be held accountable.”

Johnson’s defense attorney had argued for leniency, citing his client’s troubled upbringing in Trenton, but Judge Shipp emphasized the gravity of assaulting a federal officer and the need to deter armed violence.

The case also highlights the broader epidemic of illegal firearms trafficking in New Jersey, where federal and local authorities continue to clash with armed criminals in undercover operations. For the agent involved—whose identity remains protected—the sentencing offers a measure of justice after a near-fatal encounter on the front lines of America’s battle against gun violence.

Johnson will begin serving his sentence immediately.