Federal jury finds Williamsburg sheriff guilty

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A federal jury has found Williamsburg County Sheriff Michael Johnson guilty of fraud for creating false police reports of identity theft.

The State of Columbia reports (http://bit.ly/1uPwRpZ) the jury deliberated for three hours Friday before returning its verdict. The jury also found businessman Lester Woods guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the scam.

Both men will be sentenced at a later date.

Prosecutors said Johnson created false police reports so customers of Woods’ credit repair business could claim their overdue bills were the result of identity theft. Authorities say Johnson helped create more than 100 fake reports over three years.

Williams was suspended from office after his indictment in February. He is among eight South Carolina sheriffs in the past four years to face legal problems.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com