LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Trial has finally been scheduled next summer for a former Lake Havasu City Police Department (LHCPD) detective charged in a 48-count indictment in 2016 after investigation began in 2013.
John Johnson, 53, is charged with fraud, forgery, theft and drug transfer crimes involving alleged removal of drugs and undercover investigation cash from the LHCPD evidence room.
A plea agreement offered to resolve the case was detailed in a July 23 status hearing. Reviewing information provided by case attorneys, Judge Ryan Esplin said Johnson would be convicted of two counts of forgery, theft and attempted transfer of dangerous drugs in a plea bargain exposing him to two to five years in prison.
Esplin told Johnson his worst-case scenario would be a 222.5-year prison term if convicted of all counts at trial, followed by maximum punishment.
Johnson informed the court that, as of now, he is declining the deal. The offer expires Sept. 21.
Judge Esplin has scheduled a three-week trial to begin July 12, 2027.
