This story is the most surprising thing I have read in a newspaper in a very long time, maybe ever. Ahmaud Arbery was a Black man jogging through town who was confronted and murdered by three White men. Jackie Johnson, the Glynn County Georigia prosecutor, declined action. (The three men were eventually charged and convicted.) Here is the surprising information in the article: First, Ms. Jackson was defeated in the next election, and hence removed as county prosecutor. Second, she has now been charged with crimes, indicted no less, for her conduct. I cannot recall any prosecutor being charged with a crime, let alone indicted, for malfeasance. I suppose it must have happened, but I cannot recall another instance. I am astonished.
"Ms. Johnson is charged with “violation of oath of public officer” and “obstruction and hindering a law enforcement officer,” according to the indictment, which the state attorney general’s office released on Thursday.
The indictment says Ms. Johnson failed “to treat Ahmaud Arbery and his family fairly and with dignity” by not disclosing that she had sought the assistance of another district attorney before recommending that he take over the case. Ms. Johnson recused herself because Gregory McMichael had worked in her office.
She also “knowingly and willfully” directed two Glynn County police officers not to arrest Travis McMichael, “contrary to the laws of said state,” the indictment said.
“Our office is committed to ensuring those who are entrusted to serve are carrying out their duties ethically and honestly,” the state attorney general, Chris Carr, said in a statement, adding that the state was continuing to investigate Mr. Arbery’s case.
It is now being led by a fourth prosecutor, whom Mr. Carr appointed in May 2020."
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