Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, has another court win

Former DA Jackie Johnson Cleared of Charges in Ahmaud Arbery Case: What This Means for Justice

By Amari Apple
Feb 07, 2025
8:58 am

Former DA Jackie Johnson Cleared of Charges in Ahmaud Arbery Case

Jackie Johnson’s lead defense attorney is Brian Steel, who also represented Young Thug in his historic Georgia trial. On January 28, 2025, Steel delivered his opening statement to the jury in Brunswick, Georgia, defending Johnson against charges of obstruction of justice for allegedly violating her oath of office.

In a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the tragic death of Ahmaud Arbery, the former Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney has been cleared of all criminal charges. A judge, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, dismissed a felony indictment against her, which accused her of using her position to protect the individuals responsible for Arbery’s death in February 2020. This ruling has raised questions about accountability and justice in cases involving systemic racism and law enforcement.

The Background of the Case

Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was fatally shot while jogging in Glynn County, Georgia. His death sparked nationwide protests and calls for justice, highlighting issues of racial profiling and the legal system’s handling of such cases. The men involved in his death, Travis and Gregory McMichael, were ultimately convicted of murder, but the actions of law enforcement and local officials in the aftermath have come under intense scrutiny.

Jackie Johnson’s Legal Troubles

Jackie Johnson faced multiple felony charges, including violating her oath of office and obstructing police investigations. These charges stemmed from allegations that she failed to act on the evidence available to her and instead sought to shield the McMichaels from prosecution. After a lengthy legal battle, Senior Judge John R. Turner ruled in her favor, stating that the indictment against her was flawed and lacked sufficient evidence to proceed.

Testimony and Controversy

During her trial, which was set to begin in early February 2025, Johnson testified that she was trying to assist Arbery’s family during their time of grief. She claimed that they referred to her as a “monster” after viewing the video of their son’s death. Johnson expressed her condolences, stating, “I grabbed her hand, and I said, ‘I’m so sorry about your son.'” However, her defense argued that she did not influence the police’s decision not to arrest the McMichaels initially.

Young Thug's attorney, Brian Steel, has another court win — Ahmaud Arbery’s mother Wanda Cooper-Jones, poses for a picture at the National Civil Rights Museum, alongside Elisabeth Omilami. (Photo credit: Rashad Milligan for rolling out)

The Reaction from Arbery’s Family

The decision to dismiss the charges against Johnson has been met with outrage from Arbery’s family. Marcus Arbery Sr. and Wanda Cooper-Jones expressed their disappointment and “shock,” stating that they believe Johnson played a significant role in covering up the circumstances surrounding their son’s death. Cooper-Jones remarked, “If the judge didn’t dismiss the charges, I believe the jury would have convicted Johnson. The evidence was there.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing frustration many feel regarding the perceived lack of accountability for those in positions of power.

The Broader Implications

The dismissal of charges against Jackie Johnson raises critical questions about the integrity of the justice system, particularly in cases involving racial violence. It highlights the challenges faced by families seeking justice in a system that often appears to protect those in power rather than the victims of crime. The Arbery case has become emblematic of the broader struggle for racial justice in America, and the outcome of Johnson’s legal battles may influence future cases involving law enforcement and prosecutorial misconduct.

Conclusion

As the legal proceedings surrounding Jackie Johnson come to a close, the fight for justice for Ahmaud Arbery continues. The implications of this case extend far beyond the courtroom, touching on issues of race, power, and accountability in the American legal system. The Arbery family’s determination to seek justice serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and fairness in a system that often falls short.