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William Johnson sentenced for shooting and kidnapping ex-girlfriend

Greenville, MS – In Greenville, William Lonnie Johnson, 43, yoa, pled guilty to Kidnapping and Burglary of a Dwelling in Washington County Circuit Court, District Attorney Dewayne Richardson announced today. Johnson was scheduled for trial tomorrow but he opted to plead guilty and not exercise his right to a trial.

William Lonnie Johnson was indicted by the April 2015 Grand Jury for Domestic Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Burglary of a Dwelling, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. This charge stemmed from the Greenville Police Department arresting him on June 2, 2014, for breaking into the home of his ex-girlfriend and then kidnapping and shooting her in the leg.

Johnson pled guilty to all of the charges in his indictments except the Firearm charge. He was sentenced to a total of 17 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. William Lonnie Johnson will serve the first 12 years of his sentence in prison and the last five years on probation.

Atty. Takiyah Perkins who prosecuted this case added that, “we are thankful for the hard work dedication of the Greenville Police Department. It was only through their efforts that we were able to remove this violent offender from the streets of Greenville.”

Contact: W. Dewayne Richardson
District Attorney, Fourth Circuit Court District | 662-378-2105

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resources

Attorney General

www.ago.state.ms.us

MDOC

www.ms.gov

Federal Prisoners

www.bop.gov

Sex Offender Registry

state.sor.dps.ms.gov

AG Victim Unit

www.ago.state.ms.us

Our Mission

The mission of the District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Circuit Court, under the direction of
W. Dewayne Richardson, is to seek justice in order to maintain an environment of safety, security and lawful behavior for the citizens of the Fourth District.

The Office of the District Attorney uses lawful and reasonable methods to successfully identify and prosecute those who commit felony crimes. When a crime occurs, the Office of the District Attorney diligently pursues the indictment and conviction of those responsible, while adhering to all rights of the Victim, ensuring the victim is being provided all direct services applicable, and acknowledging all constitutional safeguards for the accused.

The District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth
District’s goal is to work with law enforcement and the judiciary to punish those who break our laws with adequate punishment. Every representative of the Office of the District Attorney pledges their commitment and full support to the protection of all citizens within the Fourth Circuit Court District.

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Greenville Office
P.O. Box 426
Greenville MS 38702
[P] 662.378.2105
[F] 662.332.4665
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Indianola Office
P.O. Box 1046
Indianola, MS 38751
[P] 662.887.4306
[F] 662.887.6275
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Greenwood Office
P.O. Box 253
Greenwood, MS 38935
[P] 662.453.1089
[F] 662.451.7291
generalinfo@msdeltada.com

Judicial Process

Citizen's Involvement in the criminal justice system typically begins with them being a victim, witness, or defendant of a crime. Arrests are made generally by a judge-issued warrant or by a police officer observing a crime in process. Law enforcement may also arrest someone if it has probable cause to believe the person committed a criminal offense. When individuals are arrested they are routinely advised of their Miranda Rights upon arrest, advising them that they have the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used against them in court. On being questioned, defendants have the right to have their attorney present or to have one appointed if they are indigent.

Felony defendants appear at a first appearance and have the charges reviewed. A judge will inquire if the defendant has an attorney. If low income, the defendant may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. No plea is entered at this time unless the defendant wishes to plead guilty or waives indictment and has an attorney present. All felony cases are presented to a grand jury in the county that the crime was committed. In the State of Mississippi, only a grand jury has the authority to indict an individual for a felony offense and require them to stand trial for the charges alleged in an affidavit and indictment.

If an indictment is issued, the defendant is bound over to stand trial or enter a guilty plea to the crimes alleged. When a criminal trial occurs all 12 jurors must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Sentences are decided by Circuit Court Judges in all criminal matters. In most cases a recommendation is made regarding imprisonment, probation, fines and restitution.

Municipalities


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• City of Hollandale
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• City of Metcalfe

• Washington County
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• City of Drew

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• Leflore County

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