In a case handled by the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, a father and son were sentenced to prison with the elder getting life.
Eric William Johnson, 32, received a 20-year prison term from the Florida Department of Corrections after his guilty plea. Johnson had been implicated in a sequence of concerning and unlawful activities, which included the abduction of a victim, the unlawful entry into a residence armed with lethal force, and the sham representation of a law enforcement officer.
Maynard David Selvog, 71, the father of Johnson, was found guilty Wednesday of all charges as a principal in connection with the armed robbery of a residence and armed abduction and sentenced to life.
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“The sentence of twenty years and life serves as a beacon of deterrence and a testament of our commitment to protecting our citizens,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Posing as law enforcement and forcibly entering someone’s home is not only a breach of trust but a perilous assault on civil liberties. The acts of both Johnson and Selvog undermine the very fabric of justice and endanger the safety and security of our community.
On July 19, 2023, Johnson, accompanied by Selvog as a getaway driver, traveled to an acquaintance’s residence in Homosassa. Upon arrival, Johnson walked up to the camper’s door with an AR-15-style air-powered gun, knocking while announcing, “Citrus County Sheriff’s Department.” He then proceeded to enter the camper, point the weapon at the occupants inside, and demanded they exit the camper.
Believing Johnson was an armed law enforcement officer, both victims complied with the demands. Once outside, they realized that Johnson was not an actual officer and attempted to call 9-1-1. Johnson immediately attempted to take the phone away which resulted in a struggle. During the struggle, the second victim was able to run to the parent’s home on the same property for help.
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Johnson then chased after the victim, kicking in the door of the home. The victim, along with the homeowner, was able to successfully disarm Johnson. After a lengthy struggle, Johnson then retreated and fled the scene with Selvog.
Shortly after, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office(CCSO) deputies were able to locate Selvog, who eventually informed officials that Johnson was hiding in a nearby shed.
CCSO Deputies then found Johnson, armed with another firearm, engaged them in a standoff. After failing to comply with law enforcement’s orders, a K-9 was deployed. Johnson made a shocking attempt to harm the law enforcement K-9 during this confrontation, before deputies were able to move in and apprehend him. Both Johnson and Selvog were arrested as a result of this investigation.
The successful prosecution of this case was a result of the meticulous work of Assistant State Attorneys Nicholas Caporicci and Kaitlyn Mannis.
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