⏱ 2 min read
Paul Richard Johnson, a 55-year-old Florida resident, was arrested and charged with using a fraudulently made Department of Justice seal on letters he sent to a luxury car company with corporate offices in New Jersey. Johnson, who had never been employed by the DOJ, used the fake seal to try to resolve a dispute over an unpaid car lease, which had resulted in negative credit report entries. The incident occurred in July 2024, and Johnson was arrested in Miami, FL, before making his initial appearance in Newark Federal Court.
According to court documents, Johnson began corresponding with the automobile manufacturer in July 2024, trying to get them to take steps to repair his credit history. He affixed the fake DOJ seal to letters he sent to the company, including one dated July 11, 2024, which featured the seal on the letterhead along with a heading of ‘US Department of Justice’ and a subheading of ‘National Security Division’.
Johnson’s scheme involved claiming that the DOJ’s internal security team had confirmed that the automobile manufacturer had reported him to credit bureaus for a loan write-off. He used this fake authority to try to intimidate the company into taking action to repair his credit history.
The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in Newark, NJ, and Johnson is charged with fraudulent use of a government seal, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 506(a)(2). If convicted, Johnson could face serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: New Jersey
- Location: NJ
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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