Attorney Drugs Employee, Sexually Assaults Her: Police

DULUTH, GA — A Gwinnett attorney was charged and arrested Monday for drugging an employee's drink and sexually assaulting her, police say.

Gwinnett Police detectives have charged and arrested Anthony O. Van Johnson, 61, of Snellville. In September 2017 detectives began an investigation on Anthony Van Johnson in reference to possibly drugging one of his female employees. The woman employee worked as an interpreter for Johnson.

One evening, he took her out for a meal after work, as he had done on other occasions. Police say she ordered a drink and excused herself to the ladies room. When she returned, the drink was waiting for her and she noticed there was a powder at the bottom. She assumed this was extra salt that she had ordered with her drink.

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The woman consumed the drink and did not remember what happened until hours later when she woke up. She notified police and a sexual assault exam was performed. It was later determined that gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was in the victim’s system.

The ongoing investigation led to probable cause to obtain a warrant for Anthony O. Van Johnson and he was taken into custody on June 04. He is charged with Administering a Schedule I Drug in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-13-30(b).

Police believe there may be other victims that have yet to come forward in reference to this case. Gwinnett Police encourage anyone with information or that believes they too may have been victimized by Anthony O. Van Johnson to call Gwinnett Police detectives at 770-513-5300 or call the case detective, Detective Werner at 770-513-5355. Case Number: 17-090488

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department