WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

PEARSON, Ga. (WALB) - Pearson Mayor Robert Johnson will no longer require an escort from law enforcement officials while on city property, following a judge’s recent decision, according to Douglas Now.

The ruling modifies one of the bond conditions Johnson was under after his February arrest by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Johnson is facing a long list of charges stemming from a GBI investigation that began after the Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office received complaints accusing the mayor of fraudulent activities and misconduct.

The charges against Johnson include:

• Criminal Attempt to Commit Hindering or Apprehension or Punishment of Criminal
• 3 counts of Influencing Witnesses
• Criminal Solicitation to Commit False Statements and Writings
• Criminal Solicitation to Commit False Official Certificates or Writings by Officers or Employees of a State and Political Subdivision
• 2 counts of False Statements and Writings
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft by Taking
• Conspiracy in Restraint of Free and Open Competition
• 4 counts of Conspiracy to Defraud State and Political Subdivision
• Theft by Deception
• 3 counts of Bribery
• 2 counts of Theft by Taking
• Fraud, Forgery, and Theft in Connection with Registration of Title to Land
• Filing False Documents
• 4 counts of Violation of Oath of Office by Public Officer

The city of Pearson has faced several challenges since Johnson’s arrest, including inconsistent water billing and leadership adjustments.

Mayor Pro Temp Jeren Fullmore previously told WALB, “Understand they are striving to go forward changes are coming. We just have a lot we are dealing with right now and we do plan to make Pearson back that great place that everyone use to know,”

Johnson was granted bond on March 7, set at $75,000. His initial bond conditions included wearing a leg monitoring device and being escorted by law enforcement anytime he entered City Hall.

WALB is working to gather more information from Pearson and Atkinson County officials. Stay with us for the latest developments.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.