BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Defense lawyers for the former Brunswick District Attorney on trial are questioning the legality of the indictment filed against her.
Prosecutors say Jackie Johnson violated her oath of office, which is a felony.
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Johnson’s lawyers argue that the grand jury indicted her on the wrong oath, which was a matter the judge took up after the jury left the courtroom just before 2 p.m. on Thursday.
The defense is challenging count one of the indictment, the most serious charge against her, claiming it is faulty.
“I am asking the court based upon all or any of those arguments, the oath is expired and cannot violate the oath of office unless you are charged by the actual oath,” said Johnson’s defense.
“The defendant’s argument doesn’t really fly here; it doesn’t work here,” said the prosecution in court Thursday.
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Johnson is also accused of knowingly and willfully hindering law enforcement officers in the lawful discharge of their official duties by directing that Travis McMichael should not be arrested.
McMichael was one of the three men convicted of Ahmaud Arbery’s murder.
The Assistant Chief of Police for the Glynn County Police Department, Stephanie Oliver, took the witness stand in court Thursday.
Oliver is one of the officers named in count two of the indictment.
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And she told the jury she never noticed Johnson hinder her in the investigation.
“I never had any interaction with Mrs. Johnson in this case,” said Oliver.
The judge has yet to rule on the challenge presented by defense attorneys.
Court continues at 9 a.m. Friday.
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