WASHINGTON — A former Metropolitan Police Department officer was sentenced to 32 years in prison on Monday on multiple counts of child sexual abuse. Investigators say Charles Johnson, 30, of Washington, D.C. was found guilty of repeatedly abusing a young girl for years.
Johnson was convicted in July after a five-day trial in D.C.
According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, multiple times between Nov. 2019 and Sept. 2021, Johnson sexually abused a child who was between the ages of 9 and 10. Detectives say Johnson forced the child to engage in sexual acts.
Police say Johnson, who was an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department at the time, lived in the home with his victim and took advantage of the times he was left to take care of the young girl.
A judge sentenced Johnson to a total of 384 months in prison on multiple counts of first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, multiple counts of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, attempted first-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, and assault.
Police Chief Pamela Smith released a statement in response to Johnson's sentencing. She says the former officer was placed on administrative leave at the time of his arrest.
"Earlier today, former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officer Charles Johnson was sentenced to 32 years in prison on multiple counts of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances.
MPD condemns Charles Johnson’s actions, and we will not tolerate actions that compromise public trust. Our thoughts are with the survivor and their family and understand that this is difficult for all impacted.
MPD remains committed to transparency and accountability and appreciates the justice system for ensuring due process rights while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community.
Johnson was placed on administrative leave at the time of his arrest in July 2022. He was terminated from the department in November 2023."
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