The former Georgia prosecutor who handled the shooting that killed Ahmaud Arbery was indicted on Thursday.
Christopher Carr, attorney general for the state of Georgia, charged and accused Jacquelyn Lee Johnson, Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney at the time, on two offenses. The first is “violation of oath of a public officer.” The second is the “obstruction and hindering of a law enforcement officer.”
“On or about February 23, 2020, said accused violated the above provision of her oath of District Attorney by showing favor and affection to Greg McMichael during the investigation into the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, thereby failing to discharge her duties as district attorney,” Carr’s indictment said. Carr also accused Johnson of “failing to treat Ahmaud Arbery and his family fairly and with dignity.”
BREAKING: Former Georgia prosecutor Jackie Johnson has been indicted on misconduct charges in Ahmaud Arbery’s death. The charges allege she used her position to shield the men who chased & killed Arbery from being initially charged in his murder.
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) September 2, 2021
“Our office is committed to ensuring those who are entrusted to serve are carrying out their duties ethically and honestly,” said Attorney General Carr. “We thank the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Glynn County Grand Jury for their hard work. While an indictment was returned today, our file is not closed, and we will continue to investigate in order to pursue justice.” (RELATED: Three Georgia Men Charged With Hate Crimes In Death Of Ahmaud Arbery)
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation assisted in this investigation, according to the indictment.
Gregory McMichael, 64, and Travis McMichael, 34, were charged with felony murder and aggravated assault after Arbery was killed while jogging through a neighborhood.
Johnson could face up to several years in prison if convicted. The first charge carries a jail term between 12 and 60 months. The second charge carries a jail term of up to 12 months.