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BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WTOC) - The State rested their case Monday in the Jackie Johnson trial.
Johnson is the former Brunswick district attorney accused of meddling in the Ahmaud Arbery murder investigation.
Monday a judge granted the Defense’s motion for directed verdict of acquittal for count 2 of Jackie Johnson’s indictment. The count charged her with obstructing or hindering law enforcement.
While count two is now dropped, Johnson for now is still charged with violating her oath.
It’s the more serious charge she faces, carrying the possibility of up to five years in prison.
Johnson’s lawyer pointed to testimony from one of the officers named in the indictment who told jurors she never had any contact with Johnson.
He also said there was no evidence that any arrest was initially going to happen because police were not treating Arbery as a victim at the time.
Prosecutors said they would leave it up for the court to decide.
Here’s how the judge reacted.
“I think count two fails. There is not one scintilla of evidence that I’ve heard that would authorize a verdict on that count. So, I’m going to grant the motion as to that,” said Presiding Judge John Turner.
Judge Turner’s ruling came soon after prosecutors rested their case by playing a radio interview Johnson did around the time video of Arbery’s murder was released.
Johnson can be heard saying she did not direct police to stop any arrests.
“That’s what they have to determine at the time when they’re on the scene. I did not talk to Glynn County police that day,” said Jackie Johnson in the radio interview.
Arbery’s father said he’s disappointed in the ruling.
“I’m still counting on the justice system because they know it was a bunch of wrongdoing on that DA, police,” said Ahmaud Arbery’s father, Marcus Arbery.
“That count having to be dismissed is problematic for many reasons, but not unexpected given the history of how law enforcement operates in this country and in this county,” said Transformative Justice Coalition President, Barbara Arnwine.
Monday, we heard again from the assistant chief of the Glynn County Police Department.
Stephanie Oliver was back on the stand Monday, saying she had no knowledge of Jackie Johnson’s involvement with George Barhill’s meeting with Glynn County Police.
Barnhill is the former District Attorney of Waycross, who at one point was appointed to prosecute the case.
On Friday, Barnhill told the jury Johnson asked him to meet with Glynn County Police after the shooting.
During cross examination, Oliver, who is one of the officers Johnson is accused of obstructing, said she had no knowledge of Johnson’s involvement with Barnhill’s meeting with Glynn County Police.
“What did Jackie Johnson have to do with that meeting to your knowledge on February 24th 2020?”
“I don’t have any knowledge of her involvement regarding that meeting.”
WTOC has a crew in the courtroom and is following every development in this trial.
Court is set to resume Tuesday morning.
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News Source : https://www.walb.com/2025/02/03/state-rests-jackie-johnson-trial/
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