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Former Glynn County DA facing charges over handling of Ahmaud Arbery case

Ousted from office by voters in the wake of the Ahmaud Arbery killing, former Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson now faces a pair of criminal charges herself.

Thursday, a Glynn County grand jury handed up a criminal indictment against Johnson, accusing her of shielding two men involved in the February 2020 fatal shooting of the 25-year-old Arbery.

Johnson has defended her handling of Arbery’s fatal shooting, pointing out she recused herself—and contending her office was being “attacked” due to “public misconception.” Grand jurors disagreed, alleging she violated her oath by showing “favor and affection” during the investigation to former employee Greg McMichael—who called her from the shooting scene.

“Jackie, this is Greg. Could you call me as soon as you possibly can? My son and I have been involved in a shooting, and I need some advice right away,” McMichael said in a voicemail to Johnson.

>>Listen to 95.5 WSB Reporter Veronica Water’s on-air report below, which includes part of the recording of McMichael’s call to Johnson.

It is unclear whether or when Johnson responded.

The second count on the indictment alleges Johnson obstructed and hindered police by directing them not to arrest Travis McMichael, Arbery’s shooter.

“Our office is committed to ensuring those who are entrusted to serve are carrying out their duties ethically and honestly,” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said in a statement, accompanying the announcement of the indictment.

The charge of violating the oath of a public officer is a felony, carrying a sentence of 1-5 years in prison. The charge of obstruction and hindering a law enforcement officer is a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to 12 months.

Veronica Waters

Veronica Waters

News Anchor and Reporter

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