Gang leader near Wycombe jailed for slavery and drug crimes

Rhys Johnson, 32, of Stretton Close, Penn, was one of five men to be arrested and charged with a plethora of criminal activity that dates to September 2021.

This comes after a 15-year-old boy from West London was reported missing before they were found in Andover, Hampshire.

READ MORE: Police concerned for welfare of missing 15-year-old girl

It was later revealed that the child was discovered in possession of wraps of crack cocaine and heroin which were ready to be distributed.

It was established that the address was linked to 27-year-old Jordan Barnes, from Andover.

The child was being exploited to act as a ‘runner’ on a county line operating from West London to Hampshire, which was headed up by senior gang member Johnson, who is originally from Acton.

Officers carefully investigated and identified that the boy travelled in a car driven by 31-year-old Michael McDonnell, accompanied by Johnson, 18-year-old Jaion Jacobs, and 17-year-old Miguel Fiorenzi.

READ MORE: 'Officers are concerned for his welfare' - Worries continue as teen remains missing

This led to Johnson’s property in Buckinghamshire being raided where they found a large quantity of Class A drugs valued at around £40,000.

A high-value Rolex watch and large wads of cash were also found in correspondence relating to Johnson and McDonnell.

All five men were arrested and charged with various crimes including drug supply and modern slavery, in which they were subsequently found guilty of these offences.

During the trial, it was heard that the boy was groomed by Jacobs and Fiorenzi before they introduced him to Johnson for the purpose of being a drug runner.

Johnson and McDonnell were both sentenced to over 16 years in prison, Jacobs and Barnes were jailed for two-and-a-half-years whilst Fiorenzi was given a suspended sentence of two years.

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They were all sentenced on October 20.

Police Constable Tom Quinn, leading the investigation said: “This investigation is an excellent example of how our Met officers have successfully dismantled an organised gang who coordinated the distribution of drugs through the exploitation of children.

“Through the hard work and diligence of our team, we managed to secure a lengthy sentence for drug supply and modern slavery offences, as well as safeguarding the victim and ensuring they receive the support needed.”

Rhys Johnson (13.01.91) Stretton Close, Penn - 16 years

Rhys Johnson has been jailed for nearly 20 years for his crimes (Image: Met Police)

Crimes committed:
Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – pleaded guilty
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – pleaded guilty

Michael McDonnell (04.11.89) of Ruislip Road, Greenford - 16 years and three months

Michael McDonnell was given the longest sentence of 16 years and three months (Image: Met Police)

Crimes committed:
Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – pleaded guilty
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – pleaded guilty

Jaion Jacobs (26.11.02) of The Square, Hammersmith - two-and-a-half years

Jaion Jacobs will also spend some time behind bars (Image: Met Police)

Crimes committed:
Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – pleaded guilty
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – pleaded guilty

Jordan Barnes (07.03.92) of Hexagon, Andover - two-and-half years

Jordan Barnes was also jailed for his crimes (Image: Met Police)

Crimes committed:
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – guilty verdict
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – guilty verdict

Miguel Fiorenzi (26.01.04) of Cleverly Estate, Acton - two years suspended

Miguel Fiorenzi, 19, and the youngest criminal from the group, avoided jail (Image: Met Police)

Crimes committed:
Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – pleaded guilty
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – pleaded guilty