BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Former prosecutor Jackie Johnson stands trial in the Brunswick Courthouse, the same location where the convicted murderers of Ahmaud Arbery were tried, as she faces charges for her alleged interference in the investigation of Arbery’s death. Johnson, who was the district attorney in Glynn County at the time of the incident, is accused of using her position to protect the suspects involved in Arbery’s killing.
Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was chased and fatally shot in February 2020 by three white men after jogging past their homes in Brunswick. The incident, which went unprosecuted for more than two months, sparked widespread outrage when a video of the shooting surfaced, leading to the arrest and conviction of Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William “Roddie” Bryan.
The charges against Johnson include a felony for violating her oath of office, which can carry up to five years in prison, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing police. The allegations suggest that Johnson showed undue favor towards the McMichaels, due in part to Greg McMichael’s previous employment in her office, and directed police not to arrest Travis McMichael immediately.
Contrary to the accusations, Johnson has asserted that she recused herself from the case promptly because of her professional connections to one of the suspects, thereby defending her actions.
The trial, led by the office of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, unfolds amidst a tense atmosphere, with the potential juror pool reflecting strong and divided opinions about Johnson’s actions. Over 500 jury duty notices were sent out in an effort to assemble a fair and unbiased jury, with many potential jurors already dismissed due to conflicts or expressed biases.
Jury selection, slowed by inclement weather, was witnessing a range of community reactions. Statements from dismissed jurors range from accusations of Johnson interfering with the investigation to support for her, describing the charges as a “witch hunt.”
As the trial moves forward, the focus will remain on whether Johnson misused her office to improperly influence the investigation and legal proceedings concerning Arbery’s death. The outcome of this high-profile case will likely resonate well beyond the confines of Glynn County, touching on issues of race, justice, and the responsibilities of elected officials.
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