Former Georgia prosecutor indicted for showing ‘favor’ to suspects in Arbery case

A former Georgia district attorney has been indicted in connection with the Ahmaud Arbery case, with the state’s attorney general alleging she showed favor to the men who have since been charged with murder in his death.

In a news release on Thursday, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (R) announced that former Brunswick District Attorney Jackie Johnson faces charges of violation of oath of a public officer and obstruction of a police officer.

According to the indictment, Johnson is accused of “showing favor and affection” to Gregory McMichael, 64, one of the prime suspects in the case during a probe into Arbery’s death. 

Johnson is also accused of “knowingly and willfully” hindering two law enforcement officers, “directing” that Travis McMichael, 34, should not be placed under arrest for his connection with the case. 

Johnson recused herself from the case because she previously worked with Gregory McMichael when he was a Glynn County police officer for over three decades. 

If convicted, Johnson could face up to six years in prison, according to the news release.

“Our office is committed to ensuring those who are entrusted to serve are carrying out their duties ethically and honestly,” Carr said in the news release.  “We thank the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Glynn County Grand Jury for their hard work. While an indictment was returned today, our file is not closed, and we will continue to investigate in order to pursue justice.” 

Arbery, 25, was shot and killed while out for a run in February of 2020. Police say Gregory and Travis McMichael followed Arbery in their pickup truck and shot him. A video of the shooting surfaced in May that drew widespread outrage. The McMichaels were charged shortly after.

The McMichaels neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, was also arrested and charged for his involvement in Arbery’s killing, who was with the duo when he recorded the now ill-fated video, NBC News reported. 

This comes as Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser (D) announced that a grand jury handed a 32-count indictment against five individuals from the Aurora Police Department and local paramedics for their roles in the death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain. 

The five individuals are facing counts of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in connection with McClain’s death.

Arbery’s death, along with that of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were among those that sparked widespread social unrest during the summer of 2020.

Updated 6:48 p.m.