EMPORIUM (EC) — A former Emporium Borough police officer has been sentenced in Cameron County Court on charges related to inappropriate communication with a minor.
Francis Paul Johnson, 52, of Weedville, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 10 to 24 months, less one day, in a county jail facility, followed by three years of probation, and was remanded into the custody of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department following a hearing in front of President Judge Richard Masson.
Johnson was determined to be a Tier II sexual offender through a mandated state assessment, and will be required to register as a sex offender for the next 25 years. He was not determined to be a sexually violent predator, but the assessment did indicate that Johnson demonstrated narcissistic and antisocial tendencies, cold-heartedness, and had been “grooming” the minor victim for a future relationship.
“What’s really material and distressing to note is that you were a law enforcement official. You violated the decree of law enforcement — to serve and protect — by victimizing one of the most vulnerable of our society,” Masson said. “Any sentence that does not include a period of incarceration diminishes the seriousness of this crime.”
While defendants are entitled to bail following sentencing under some circumstances, Masson chose to revoke Johnson’s bail because he constitutes a danger to the victim and community.
Johnson will be eligible for work release, and Masson recommended the sheriff’s department make an effort to house him in a facility near his employer at Morgan AM&T in Elk County, where Johnson has worked for many years. Masson said that Johnson’s work record, which included approximately 25 years of service as an Emporium Borough police officer, attaining the rank of sergeant, contributed to the decision to give Johnson a county sentence.
In September, Johnson entered an open guilty plea to one count of felony criminal solicitation to commit sexual abuse of children related to the production of pornography. Related charges were not prosecuted as part of the plea negotiation.
Johnson communicated with a juvenile female who was 15-years-old for several times over a period of several months via text message, Snapchat, Facebook, and in person. The messages were found to be sexually explicit in nature and included explicit photographs and videos.
Discussions in Tuesday’s hearing indicated that Johnson was a trusted friend of the victim’s family, and likely used that relationship to victimize the juvenile. The victim’s mother spoke on her behalf, saying that her daughter is suffering from trust issues related to this incident. She has become more withdrawn, choosing to stay at home in her room much more, dropping out of sports, and refusing activities that she used to enjoy. She is also bullied at school over the incident and has trouble sleeping.
“You’re describing what I consider to be classic signs of post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Masson. “(Johnson’s) actions will adversely influence her in the future.”
Johnson’s mother spoke on his behalf, saying that she depends on her son for help around the house and financial support. His employer sent a letter to the judge in support of Johnson. His attorney, Gary Knaresboro, said that Johnson took responsibility immediately for his actions and seemed remorseful.
Johnson apologized to his victim and her family for the pain he has caused her. He also apologized to the court and the community for violating the trust placed in him as a law enforcement officer.
“It’s not something I’m going to repeat or that I’ve done in the past,” Johnson said.
Johnson was ordered to have no contact with his victim. As a special condition of probation, he must undergo a mental health evaluation and comply with all treatment recommendations through participation with the Project Point of Light program and Dickinson Center, and comply with any additional conditions set forth by the probation department. He must pay a $500 fine, costs of supervision and prosecution, and submit a DNA sample.
