TO: Citizens who communicated with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.
THANK YOU!
Hearing from you, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles reconsidered its vote to grant tentative clemency release to convicted rapist Willie L. Johnson. Parole has been DENIED.
A network of law abiding citizens answered my call to action and took the steps necessary to protect our quality of life. As a result of joined voices, a convicted rapist will continue to serve in a Georgia penitentiary five life sentences plus forty years, consecutively.
In 1986, a Columbia County jury convicted Johnson of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, one count of aggravated sodomy, one count of attempted aggravated sodomy, two counts of armed robbery, and one count of burglary. Dressed in an Army uniform he was not entitled to wear, Johnson attacked on separate days three women. He bound, gagged, violated, brutalized, raped, sodomized, burglarized and robbed his victims, one of whom was four months pregnant at the time. The facts of the case were more disturbing than any I’ve seen in nearly 30 years practicing law.
Three brave women wouldn’t let another be harmed. They took the stand, and justice resulted.
In May, a strong judge’s sentence imposed upon conviction was placed at risk when the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles (the Board) voted to grant Johnson tentative clemency release; however, the Board honored procedures and considered input received from your District Attorney and the public.
Truth in sentencing was defended when the Board exercised its authority to keep us safe.
Through your willingness to speak up, the work of brave members of law enforcement was honored.
Your District Attorney’s Office –in concert with a network of good and law abiding citizens– continues to hold the line to keep this community safe, punish offenders, and prevent the criminal element from metastasizing into what it has become in all too many Georgia communities.
The Board heard you, as did potential future predators looking for a community to victimize. Together we are issuing a strong message: NOT HERE, NOT IN COLUMBIA COUNTY!
Again, thank you.
Respectfully,
Bobby L. Christine
Columbia County District Attorney
