Ex-Williamsburg County sheriff to learn mail fraud sentence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a former Williamsburg County sheriff’s arguments that prosecutors overestimated the number of victims in his fraud case.

U.S. District Judge Terry Wooten agreed with federal officials Wednesday that Michael Johnson filed 245 false incident reports of identity theft. Prosecutors say Johnson created fake police reports so people could claim their identities were stolen to get out of credit card debt.

Defense attorneys argued only 30 victims came forward.

Johnson was convicted of mail fraud in September. Federal officials are recommending a sentence of 30 months to 37 months in prison.

Johnson wants less time because he has no criminal record, cooperated and is being treated for depression.

Johnson is one of nine South Carolina sheriffs to be charged or investigated while in office since 2010.

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