SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. – On November 16, 2020, the Command Review Board reviewed allegations that Detective Corey Johnson used a Police Department issued gas credit card improperly. The Board sustained the following allegations: improper procedures and conviction or guilt of a felony or misdemeanor. Johnson’s employment was terminated. Investigators say that a report will be forwarded to the FDLE Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to determine whether Johnson will keep his state certification.
Johnson was sworn as a St. Petersburg Police Officer on March 9, 2015. He was most recently assigned to the Vice and Narcotics Division.
Summary:
During a gas credit card usage audit, a supervisor determined Johnson used his assigned gas credit card on a documented day off. Further investigation revealed in February 2020, surveillance video from a gas station in Bradenton showed Johnson using the Dept. credit card to pay for fuel in his unmarked police take-home vehicle and in another vehicle driven by a family member. He was only authorized to use the credit card to put gas in his work vehicle for work purposes. Investigators determined that Johnson also misused his gas card several other times.
Because the misuse occurred outside the City of St. Petersburg jurisdiction, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office filed a charge of petit theft against Johnson.
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