MARIETTA, GA – Nathaniel Johnson Jr. is once again facing a prison sentence after being convicted of continuing a fraudulent emissions inspection scheme just weeks after being paroled. The repeat offender, along with accomplice Daniel Lawson, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to falsifying vehicle emissions test results in Cobb County, Georgia, earlier this month.
Johnson’s criminal history in this case dates back to February 2014, when he was initially sentenced to two years imprisonment followed by eight years probation for computer forgery connected to a similar emissions fraud. Released on parole in February 2015, Johnson allegedly wasted no time returning to his illicit activities. Investigators with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, uncovered evidence that Johnson was providing false information and forged documentation to secure fraudulent waivers from emissions testing for vehicles that would otherwise fail inspection.
The scheme involved falsely claiming vehicles were temporarily located out-of-state due to their owners’ employment, supported by fabricated signatures. On August 3rd, Johnson entered a guilty plea to three counts of making false statements. He also admitted to violating the terms of his probation and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in Fulton County. Cobb County Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole subsequently sentenced Johnson to five years in prison, to be served after completion of his remaining probation term. Johnson also faces a pending indictment in Fulton County concerning firearm and drug charges.
Accomplice Also Sentenced
Daniel Lawson, a previously convicted accomplice in the original racketeering case with Johnson, also faced consequences for his renewed involvement. On August 7th, Lawson pleaded guilty to making false statements and received a one-year prison sentence. His probation from the 2014 conviction was revoked for an additional year, to be served concurrently with his new sentence. Lawson further admitted to violating his probation through a DUI conviction and by continuing to work at a vehicle emissions testing station, a condition explicitly prohibited by his probation terms.
Legal Ramifications and Investigation
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Greg Lohmeier on behalf of the State of Georgia. The investigation was spearheaded by Todd Binnion and Michael Derrick of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division. The charges stem from violations of Georgia state laws pertaining to false statements and probation violations. Specifically, Johnson and Lawson were convicted of knowingly providing false information to a government agency, a crime carrying potential penalties of imprisonment and fines. Johnson’s firearm possession charge adds further legal complications.
Key Facts:
- Defendant: Nathaniel Johnson Jr. & Daniel Lawson
- Crime: Emissions Inspection Fraud, False Statements, Probation Violation, Firearm Possession (Johnson)
- Location: Cobb & Fulton Counties, Georgia
- Year: 2015
- Sentencing: Johnson – 5 years imprisonment + remaining probation; Lawson – 1 year imprisonment + 1 year revoked probation
- Violated Statutes: Georgia state laws regarding false statements, probation violations, and firearm possession by a convicted felon.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to combat fraud within the state’s vehicle emissions program and underscores the consequences for repeat offenders who disregard the law and attempt to circumvent environmental regulations.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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