Authorities in Jenkins County have confirmed they have Ernest Ray Johnson Jr., 31, former manager of Dunagan’s Sewing and Vacuum in Augusta in custody on theft and forgery charges. All charges are misdemeanors.
According to the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson has been in custody for about a month.
Johnson is also wanted for questioning in Richmond County on another complaint of financial transaction card theft.
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The complaint, filed by Andrew Beckett, 66, of Augusta, states that he took a heater needing repair to the shop, located at 3007 Deans Bridge Road on Jan. 25 but found it closed. Beckett says he called the number posted on the door and spoke with Johnson.
According to the police report, Johnson asked for a $45 payment up front and scheduled to meet with Beckett at the repair shop. Johnson did not show up to the meeting and Beckett later found that $1,000 had been debited from his account.
Johnson made headlines on Jan. 12 when he suddenly closed the repair shop and locked up the building with customers’ property awaiting repair still inside. Records show that Johnson was facing eviction from the property for not paying rent when he voluntarily turned in the keys to the building and then disappeared.
According to a complaint filed by Sean and Vanessa Rewis on Nov. 29, 2021, the couple had ordered and paid for a used carpet extractor for $200 and a new carpet extractor for $400 plus labor and paid $943 up front.
According to the Rewis’ complaint, Johnson never ordered the merchandise and promised a refund but never made good on the offer.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office sent an email Wednesday that Johnson was wanted for questioning and issued a “be on the lookout,” but rescinded that when it was determined that Johnson was in custody in the Jenkins County jail.
The Dunagan’s Sewing and Vacuum location in Augusta is not related to the business of the same name located on Whiskey Road in Aiken which has operated successfully for 40 years.
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
