SMITHFIELD – Johnston County school board member Ronald Johnson appeared in court Tuesday morning (today) for his first appearance. Johnson was indicted Monday by a Johnston County Grand Jury on five felony counts. Mr. Johnson is charged with three counts of obstruction of justice and single counts of extortion and willful failure to discharge duties.
Johnson is accused of extorting DeVan Barbour IV, a former candidate for US House in 2022. Johnson, according to the indictment, communicated a threat to Barbour to release a recording in the defendant’s possession of defamatory allegations concerning Barbour weeks before a primary election, in which Barbour was on the ballot, if he did not pressure a woman into recanting her statement she had an affair with Johnson.
The three willful failure to discharge duties indictments stem from his role on the Johnston County Board of Education. On May 31, 2022, Johnson allegedly unlawfully and willfully recorded a closed session of a Board of Education meeting in violation of Board duties. On November 10, 2022, he reportedly failed to comply with a public records request in violation of Board duties. And on July 1, 2022, he attempted to have two Clayton High school special needs students transferred to another school as an act of personal retaliation, in violation of his board duties.
The obstruction of justice indictment alleges Johnson, on or about January 23, 2023, removed evidence related to his criminal activity from Clayton Fitness, when he became aware that law enforcement was investigating his belongings in the facility.
Johnston County Public Schools released a statement Monday evening. “The media has reported that Mr. Ronald Johnson, a member of the Johnston County Board of Education, was charged earlier today after a Grand Jury indicted him on several charges related to his role on the School Board. At this time, the Board has no comment or additional information regarding the criminal charges against Mr. Johnson. Instead, the Board of Education wishes to express its continued commitment to governing the schools efficiently and effectively, consistent with all laws and policies. The Board’s top priority is, and always will be, to ensure that high-quality teaching and learning occurs in our schools for the benefit of all students, staff, and the families of Johnston County.”
Johnson was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond today after his initial court appearance.
Lol 5 felonies and he was released on an unsecured bond. You can be serious. People get misdemeanors and get secured bonds just for a little marijuana
Bogus Felonies. LOL…
So he took his own belongings from a locker at Clayton fitness…,,, how dare he.
Evidence, he took evidence. Do you really think these charges are made up? If yes, maybe rethink you allegiances.
Are you saying he did not try to extort a candidate for US Congress? Do you not think an investigation was done to charge him with these crimes? Do you maybe think the tape he used to try to extort Barbour was in that locker at Clayton Fitness since that is where they met. You arent this stupid.
Thank you Susan Doyle for staying a strong supporter of the progressive liberal Democratic Party and for joining the National George Soros bought and payed for District Attorneys that are doing a Hell of a job at destroying our Democrat political enemies! This is a proud day to be a Democrat in Johnston County and we have as Democrats have shown how we can be more effective with using the justice system than the ballot box? Our Conservative Republican friends you need to take notice and accept the fact that us locking up the School Board Member Ron Johnson on the eve of Donald J.Trump indictment and him appearing in a Johnston County Court room on the very day of Donald J. Trump was not an accident? This is to reinforce to you Conservative Republican’s that “THE FIX IS IN” and when we control the legal system in Johnston County to the point that our Johnston County Legal System follows the National Democrat Play Book to destroy Donald J. Trump you have lost all. What a proud day to be a Democrat in Johnston County, we have destroyed the Johnston County Republican Party!!!
You cant be serious. Some times folks should learn to just keep their mouths shut on certain subjects. And at the same time learn how to speak the English language. Ronnie shouldnt have committed crimes if he didnt want to get caught.
What Biden Won posted is the exact play book being used by the democrats all over the USA. Please see what is going on with our justice system across this once great nation. It has been weaponized by the democrats.
Are you saying RonJohn did not try to extort a candidate for US Congress. Is that what you are saying.
Biden One,,, True but you won’t find one that will admit to it.
Trump will beat all of the bs charges he got against him.
Oh but then, to more news in NC …. SUPER MAJORITY…woot woot .. oh but that’s none of my business….it will all play out and there will be MORE cry babies in 2024 !!
Not a single public statement from RonJon…. that says volumes.
First of all, I want to say that this man did do wrong by having an affair with another woman. But she is not a victim. And all of this is ridiculous. He was a detective for 17 years. So he’s going to let everyone see him running to his locker grabbing all this, paperwork, equipment? He’d be much more subtle than that. It’s just as ridiculous as saying that you’ve made someone an interim chief, but the next paragraph lets that guy and other applicants know that they aren’t good enough so you’ve opened the job back up. Welcome to Smithfield folks.
Ron Jon needs to move back up north and take Biden with him both sorry people caught red handed and stupid
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
Nah Nah Nah Nah
Nah Nah Nah Nah
Hey Hey Hey
Good by!!!!
Communist Republican Tyrant Dictator’s are on a roll, maybe Jail House Rock should be their campaign music.
#AH2024
So, he recorded a session of the school board, where DeVan Barbour IV admitted to hiding funds from the government. And this guy is in court? The story is not the scandal, it’s how he got the information on the scandal.
Devan Barbour was not on the school board. PAY ATTENTION.
You’re not my real dad. You pay attention.
Well, then keeping making incorrect statements. What are you, 10 yrs old.
What are you, illiterate? The correct grammar for that statement would read as follows:
“Well, then keep on making incorrect statements. What are you, 10 years old?”
I grade this as a C-, please see me after class.
@ButWhy: He [RonJon] swore an oath to uphold and abide by the board rules and regulations. Then he flippantly violated his oath. Actions have consequences. If you’re can’t keep your word, you have no integrity and have no place in public office.
I’d violate my oath as well if I knew that others were scheming and hiding money.
@Yes: Then your word, too, is meaningless. RonJon should have filed a grievance in open session, as per the rules and regulations of the board (that he swore to uphold). Egotistical people who think they’re above the rule of law, are the one of the biggest problems facing our country today. #LockHimUp #VoteOutIncumbents
Sometimes you do what you know is right, even if it comes at a cost. It’s called humanity. Maybe you should learn about it. – yea (not yes) I said it
Well the grounds are warming up pretty good. Time to plant some food. It doesn’t take big place for a small garden. Fresh tomatoes, squash, peppers, and cucumbers. Being outside without a phone living life. Good times.
Doc, keep that freezer full and buy alot of extra ammunition. It can’t keep going the way it has been?
Redemption is a possibility for Ron Johnson its up to him to put in the work. Lets pray for all of our leaders to have vision and empathy for all. Look in the mirror see yourself and strive to be better.
Maybe, just maybe…ALL questions about the school boards past and present activities will face a forensic audit and for it o be made public.