Judge Revises Curt Johnson's Bond; Allows Travel for Treatment

Billionaire Curt Johnson will be allowed to travel within the United States, for purposes of treatment, business or to see his wife, Traci, in North Carolina.

Judge Eugene Gasiorkiewicz made the ruling at Johnson's bond hearing on Aug. 22.

Defense attorneys Richard Hall and Michael Hart presented a letter from a Dr. Earl from a treatment facility in Arizona. They requested the court modify Johnson's bond so he can attend a weekend workshop.

Johnson was charged with first degree repeated sexual assault of the same child on March 24. He was released on a $500,000 cash bond with the conditions that he relinquish his passport and not leave the state.

Racine County District Attorney Michael Nieskes objected to the modification because he said during the course of treatment, Johnson may make mention of certain things that may or may not have occurred, putting the issue of confidentiality versus the ability to investigate in question.

"We question whethere there is any real value in a weekend workshop session, your honor," Nieskes added.

But Gasiorkiewicz said that Johnson's family and Johnson himself are known to the court and as American citizens enjoy the right to travel.

"So I will allow the conditon of Mr. Johnson's bond," he said. Further, the conditions are altered not just for this one request, but for the duration of Johnson's bond.

Traveling to Arizona for treatment, to unnamed locations for business or to North Carolina to see his wife are the new conditions on Johnson's bond. But Gasiorkiewicz also said that Johnson needs to be monitored by Zimmerman Consulting (ZCI), a court contractor.

In answer to Nieskes asking if Johnson will be required to have a GPS, the judge said no and that any additional costs for investigation are the burden of the state.

Johnson is one of the heirs to the SC Johnson family fortune. He stepped down as head of Sturtevant-based Diversey, Inc. in February citing "personal reasons." His sister, Helen Johnson-Leopold, took over as head of that company.

The next court date for the Johnson case in when motions are heard on Sept. 23.