One charge dismissed against former Georgia prosecutor in Ahmaud Arberry case
Jackie Johnson
BRUNSWICK, Ga. -
A judge on Monday acquitted former Georgia District Attorney Jackie Johnson of one of two misconduct charges related to the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery, according to the Associated Press.
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What we know:
Senior Judge John R. Turner ruled that prosecutors failed to present any evidence that Johnson obstructed the police investigation, leading to the dismissal of the misdemeanor obstruction charge.
"There is not one scintilla of evidence that I’ve heard that would authorize a verdict on that count," Turner stated from the bench.
The trial will continue Tuesday, with Johnson still facing a felony charge of violating her oath of office, which carries a potential sentence of one to five years in prison. Turner has allowed this charge to stand "for the moment" and requested additional legal arguments from both sides in written briefs.
The backstory:
Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was shot and killed on Feb. 23, 2020, after being pursued by father and son Greg and Travis McMichael in their neighborhood. A neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, joined the chase and recorded cellphone footage of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery at close range with a shotgun.
The McMichaels claimed they suspected Arbery of burglary and argued the shooting was in self-defense. No arrests were made for over two months until the video leaked online, prompting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to take over the case. All three men were later convicted of murder and federal hate crimes.
What they're saying:
Since the trial began a week ago, prosecutors have argued that Johnson used her position to protect the McMichaels, particularly Travis McMichael and his father, Greg, who was a retired investigator from Johnson’s office. They claim Johnson interfered even after recusing herself from the case.
However, prosecutors faced a significant setback when Glynn County Assistant Police Chief Stephanie Oliver testified that she and Johnson never discussed Arbery’s case. Oliver was one of two officers named in Johnson’s 2021 indictment, accused of directing that Travis McMichael not be arrested. Prosecutors did not call the second officer named, Stephan Lowrey, to testify before resting their case on Monday.
Prosecutors also claim Johnson abused her power by recommending the appointment of neighboring District Attorney George Barnhill to oversee the case without disclosing that Barnhill had already advised police that the shooting was justified. Barnhill testified Friday that his advice to police was given independently and without Johnson’s influence.
Timeline
Feb. 23, 2020: Ahmaud Arbery is shot and killed in Glynn County, Georgia.
May 2020: After a leaked video surfaces, the GBI takes over the case, and arrests are made.
November 2020: Jackie Johnson is voted out of office, with many blaming her defeat on the handling of Arbery’s case.
September 2021: A grand jury indicts Johnson on charges of obstruction and violating her oath of office.
Last week: Johnson’s trial begins, with key testimonies from law enforcement and legal officials.
Monday: The judge acquits Johnson of the misdemeanor obstruction charge. The trial continues with the felony charge still in play.
What's next:
The jury has been ordered to return to the courthouse Tuesday morning as the trial proceeds on the remaining felony charge. The judge has asked both the prosecution and defense to submit further legal arguments regarding the charge of violating Johnson’s oath of office. A verdict on this charge could result in a prison sentence if Johnson is convicted.
Big picture view:
The case against Jackie Johnson highlights broader concerns about prosecutorial misconduct and the influence of personal relationships within the justice system. The delayed arrests in Arbery’s case fueled national outrage and became a focal point in discussions about racial justice and accountability in law enforcement.