The former Half Moon Bay cop accused of stealing $5,700 from
the Police Cop Association was sentenced yesterday to 45 days in jail for
misdemeanor embezzlement.
Askia Mohammed Johnson, 40, faced up to 90 days after
accepting a plea deal on a single felony but Judge Mark Forcum yesterday reduced
the charge to a misdemeanor because the former officer paid restitution.
Johnson must surrender to the county jail April 6 and, after serving the time,
will spend two years on supervised probation.
Johnson originally faced trial for allegedly making 36 separate
withdrawals from the POA account between 2008 and 2010 while serving as its
head. Instead, Johnson will receive the three-month term when formally
sentenced Feb. 6.
Johnson, who previous pleaded not guilty to all charges, has
said publicly the money was a loan similar to those taken by other cop while he
was president of the POA.
Last year, Johnson’s former defense attorney questioned the
former officer’s ability to aid in his own defense. Johnson actually objected
to the attorney’s request for mental evaluations but a judge opted to halt
criminal proceedings until the matter was resolved. Once court-appointed
doctors deemed Johnson competent, proceedings were reinstated and Johnson
replaced his attorney.
Johnson is free from custody on his own recognizance.