News Summary
Terrance ‘TJ’ Johnson, a 56-year-old officer with the New Orleans Police Department, has been arrested on prostitution and malfeasance charges tied to a murder investigation. Johnson faces multiple allegations, including paying women for sex while on duty and providing them tips to evade law enforcement. The arrest comes following a probe by the Louisiana State Police, revealing evidence of Johnson’s misconduct and links to the murder of sports reporter Adan Manzano. As an internal investigation is expedited, NOPD leadership emphasizes accountability within the department.
New Orleans – Terrance “TJ” Johnson, a 56-year-old officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), was arrested on charges of prostitution and malfeasance in connection with a broader murder investigation. The arrest comes as part of an ongoing probe by the Louisiana State Police that began earlier this year. Johnson faces multiple charges, including two counts of prostitution, three counts of malfeasance in office, and two counts of injuring public records.
Johnson is linked to Danette Colbert, who has been charged with the murder of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano. The investigation has revealed troubling details about Johnson’s conduct while on duty, including allegations that he paid women for sexual relations and provided tips to help them avoid law enforcement.
As part of the investigation, authorities uncovered text messages on Colbert’s phone suggesting that Johnson had actively assisted her in concealing her alleged prostitution activities. Witnesses reported that Johnson had garnered a reputation among sex workers in the French Quarter for his willingness to pay for sex and for giving advice on how to evade police encounters.
In addition to the prostitution charges, Johnson is accused of intimidation related to a watch stolen from one of the prostitutes he allegedly engaged with. A salon owner in New Orleans East reported having a sexual relationship with Johnson while he was in uniform and stated that he paid her for sex.
Investigators have gathered substantial evidence, including social media messages, text messages, financial records, and trip sheets that appear to corroborate Johnson’s illicit activities while on duty. Reports indicate that Johnson misrepresented his location on official documents, claiming to be working in one area while engaging in sexual activities elsewhere.
During an interview with state police, Johnson denied the allegations, asserting that his encounters with Colbert were consensual and infrequent, although he could not recall specific details. Court records show Johnson listed as a contact on Colbert’s phone under the name “TJ Popo,” a known slang term for law enforcement officers.
Johnson is also accused of facilitating arrangements for paid sex with associates of Colbert, with some instances occurring while he was supposed to be performing his police duties. His history with the NOPD includes various disciplinary actions, notably during Hurricane Katrina, alongside other cases of neglect of duty.
If Johnson is found guilty of malfeasance, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to ten years. The NOPD Superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick, has publicly condemned Johnson’s actions, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in the department. An internal investigation into Johnson’s conduct is being fast-tracked.
Following his arrest, Johnson turned himself in at the NOPD’s Eighth District station and was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center. His bond has been set at $10,500, and if he is released, he will need to wear an electronic monitoring device and adhere to a curfew.
This arrest highlights serious concerns about policy enforcement and the behavior of some members within the NOPD, drawing attention to the need for increased oversight and accountability in law enforcement practices.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 8 News
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Police Department
- WDSU News
- Google Search: NOPD officer arrest prostitution
- NOLA.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prostitution
- WBRZ News
- Google News: NOPD prostitution investigation
- WGNO News
- Google Scholar: Police misconduct prostitution
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