Snellville attorney accused of drugging employee

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Police have charged a Snellville attorney with drugging one of his employees.

Gwinnett County Police say in September 2017, Anthony Van Johnson and his interpreter went out for dinner and drinks, as they often did, at Bahama Breeze in Duluth.

The interpreter ordered a drink, went to the restroom, and came back to the table to find her drink with a “powdery substance” at the bottom, which she believed was the extra salt she ordered, said Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Wilbert M. Rundles.

“He did administer her GHB, that was the drug he used, and people know it commonly as the date rape drug,” Rundles said.

GHB, or Gamma hydroxybutyrate, is a clear and colorless depressant with a slightly salty taste that works on the central nervous system, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“After that, she didn’t remember anything for numerous hours. She woke up at her house. She has passed out,” Rundles said.

Van Johnson is charged with crimes related to drug possession.

Gwinnett County Police say there could be other victims who have yet to come forward in the case.

“We have no idea how many people there could be. There may be zero. There may be multiple,” Rundles said.

Gwinnett County Police encourage anyone with information or who believes they may have been victimized by Van Johnson to call detectives at 770-513-5300 or call the case detective, Detective Werner, at 770-513-5355.