Former DeKalb County police officer indicted

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A grand jury indicted a former DeKalb County police officer Friday for her alleged role in a theft scheme targeting drug dealers out of tens of thousands of dollars.

The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office said 33-year-old Lori Monique Johnson was charged with violation of the Georgia RICO act and 14 counts of violation of oath by a public officer. The 24-page grand jury indictment outlines accusations against Johnson and how she used her position as an officer with the DeKalb County Police Department to steal more than $150,000 during three staged traffic stops with the earliest one happening in March 2015.

DeKalb County prosecutors said Johnson would target rival drug dealers and then give her associates the money, receiving a cut herself. Johnson made various deposits of her cut at a SunTrust Bank, according to the indictment.

The indictment states she chose to steal from drug dealers thinking they were unlikely to claim the missing money.

DeKalb Police Chief James Conroy released a statement which reads in part, “Trust, transparency, and accountability make up the foundation of our department and corruption will not be tolerated which is reflected by our active participation in the investigation.”

Johnson resigned from the department late last year. She surrendered Thursday but was released the next day on bond. No word on her next court appearance.

The FBi was asked to assist in the investigation.