Ex-Williamsburg County sheriff gets 30-month prison term

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A federal judge has sentenced former Williamsburg County Sheriff Michael Johnson to two and a half years in prison for creating false police reports to help out a friend in a credit fixing business.

Along with Johnson’s 30-month sentence, U.S. District Judge Terry Wooten also ruled Wednesday that Johnson must pay back $16,000 to people who paid to get their credit fixed.

Wooten said he had to balance Johnson’s lack of a criminal record and how the community regarded him with the importance of integrity in Johnson’s position.

Prior to his sentencing, Johnson apologized and admitted he broke the laws he swore to uphold during a 17-year career that included four years as sheriff. He said knowing that he failed so many people is heartbreaking.