Pearson Mayor Charged with Fraud, Bribery, Land Theft

Robert 'Buster' Johnson, the mayor of Pearsons, Georgia, has been arrested and faces over 25 criminal charges, including bribery, forgery, and fraud, following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The inquiry was initiated after the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office received complaints regarding Johnson's alleged misconduct, which includes attempts to secure the release of an inmate using fraudulent documents and obtaining kickbacks from city contracts. Johnson is also accused of stealing municipal land and bribing city employees. The GBI's investigation revealed multiple criminal schemes, leading to charges that include conspiracy, theft, and violations of his oath of office. Johnson has been booked into jail and is currently being held in Coffee County, with the investigation ongoing and potential additional arrests to follow. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the case to reach out to the GBI.