South Raleigh News

Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced the conviction of Ronald Johnson, Jr. in a Johnston County public corruption case. A jury found Johnson guilty of felony extortion, felony obstruction of justice, and two counts of willful failure to discharge duties. Judge Joseph Crosswhite sentenced him to six to 17 months in prison, followed by a suspended sentence of 16 to 29 months over 30 months of probation. Johnson was also ordered to surrender his law enforcement license and removed from the school board.

Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle referred the case to the Department of Justice’s Special Prosecutions Section. The prosecution was led by Criminal Bureau Chief and Special Deputy Attorney General Boz Zellinger and Special Deputy Attorney General Arneatha James.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson commented on the case: “This defendant wreaked havoc on his community while he was a public official. Again and again, he used his office for his own gain – that’s corruption, and it’s a crime. I’m grateful to the judge and the jury for making sure this man can’t keep breaking the law and hurting people. I thank the prosecutors in my office who work hard to hold public officials accountable, and I thank District Attorney Susan Doyle for her partnership on this case.”

District Attorney Susan Doyle added: “Special Deputy Attorneys General Boz Zellinger and Arneatha James did a tremendous job in prosecuting this very difficult case. The Johnston County District Attorney’s Office is grateful for their hard work along with Johnston County District Attorney Investigator Richard Hoffman to finally put an end to the public corruption that the defendant has engaged in for many years. Johnston County is a safer place because of their dedication and commitment to public safety.”

Ronald Johnson, Jr., who served on the Johnston County School Board and previously worked as a police officer for nearly two decades, threatened a political candidate for personal advantage. He failed in his duties by attempting retaliation against special needs students through school transfers and recorded a closed session meeting unlawfully. Additionally, he obstructed justice by removing evidence during an investigation.