Nathaniel Johnson Jr., Making False Statements, Georgia 2015

MARIETTA, GA – A repeat offender is once again heading to prison after being convicted of perpetrating a fraudulent emissions inspection scheme in Cobb County, Georgia. Nathaniel Johnson Jr., 38, was sentenced to five years behind bars on August 3, 2015, after pleading guilty to three counts of making false statements. This conviction comes less than a year after his release from a previous two-year sentence for similar offenses.

According to investigators with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Johnson quickly resumed his illegal activity, forging documentation to secure fraudulent waivers from mandatory vehicle emissions testing. The scheme involved falsely claiming vehicles were temporarily located out-of-state due to owner employment, supported by fabricated signatures. This allowed motorists to bypass required inspections, potentially releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

The EPD began investigating Johnson again in May 2015, obtaining a warrant for his arrest after uncovering evidence of the continued fraud. The investigation revealed Johnson wasn’t just repeating his past crimes, but also compounding them. He admitted to violating the terms of his existing probation and to illegally possessing a firearm in Fulton County – a felony for a convicted felon.

A Pattern of Deception

This isn’t Johnson’s first encounter with the law regarding emissions fraud. In February 2014, he was initially convicted of computer forgery for his role in a similar scheme. He received a two-year prison sentence followed by eight years of probation. His recent actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the legal system and a continued commitment to criminal activity. The speed with which he re-engaged in the fraud, just a week after being paroled, highlights the persistent nature of the operation.

Lawson Also Sentenced

Johnson wasn’t operating alone. Daniel Lawson, an accomplice in the original racketeering case with Johnson, also pleaded guilty on August 7, 2015, to making false statements and received a one-year prison sentence. Lawson was already on probation for his previous involvement and further violated the terms by driving under the influence and working at a vehicle emissions testing station – a specific condition of his probation. One year of his revoked probation will be served concurrently with his new sentence.

Legal Ramifications and Prosecution

Johnson faces additional legal challenges, remaining under indictment in Fulton County on charges related to firearm and drug offenses. Assistant Attorney General Greg Lohmeier prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Georgia, with the investigation conducted by Todd Binnion and Michael Derrick of the EPD. The state statutes violated included laws pertaining to false statements, probation violations, and illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon. Penalties for making false statements can include imprisonment and fines, while probation violations can lead to the revocation of probation and further incarceration.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Nathaniel Johnson Jr.
• Crime: Emissions Inspection Fraud, Probation Violation, Illegal Firearm Possession
• State: Georgia
• Year: 2015
• Sentence (Johnson): 5 years imprisonment + remaining probation
• Sentence (Lawson): 1 year imprisonment + revoked probation
• Investigating Agency: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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