Jackie Johnson, A Former Brunswick District Attorney, Has Been Arrested In Connection To The Ahmaud Arbery Case

During the investigation of the Ahmaud Arbery case, a former Brunswick district attorney was arrested.

On the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 8, Jackie Johnson, 49, was booked into the Glynn County Jail. According to jail records, she was released the same day. A $10,000 bond was posted for Johnson's release on her own recognizance.

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Johnson was indicted for violating the oath of public officer and obstructing a police officer.

A former private investigator for her, George McMichael, was one of those who charged her for Arbery's murder last year when Johnson was the top prosecutor.

Johnson initially claimed innocence, saying she immediately recused her office from overseeing the case due to her relationship with McMichael. It was alleged that Johnson tried to help Arbery's killers avoid prosecution throughout the trial along with his parents and their legal team.

During the investigation into the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, Johnson, according to the indictment, showed favor and affection to Greg McMichael in violation of the above provision of her oath.

Court filings indicate that Greg McMichael called Johnson as soon as he shot Arbery.

On the day Arbery was shot and killed, Johnson stood in the way of two officers from the Glynn County Police Department by directing Travis McMichael not to be arrested.

Attorney General Chris Carr will prosecute the case.

Lee Merrit, the attorney for the family of Ahmad Arbery, said "We're hoping this historic decision by the grand jury in South Georgia will send ripples throughout the legal community." The murder of Ahmaud Arbery was a tipping point in this nation for dealing with racism, violence, and violence in general.

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Three defendants charged with hate crimes in Arbery's killing were convicted and will face federal charges in February.

Johnson faces up to five years in prison if convicted of violating her oath of office. If convicted of obstruction she will serve another year behind bars.