NOPD officer arrested could jeopardize previous cases

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) —  The arrest of twenty-seven-year veteran New Orleans Police Department officer Terrance Johnson has caused frustration across all law enforcement agencies.

“We’ve got to do a deep dive into that. That’s why it’s so frustrating. It’s a black eye for the city. Especially when we’re doing so well in this public safety space,” said District Attorney Jason Williams.

Johnson is facing prostitution, malfeasance in office and injuring public records charges after investigators say they linked him to accused murderer, Danette Colbert.

Colbert was arrested in connection with the death of a reporter, Adan Manzano, in town to cover the Super Bowl last February.

Williams calls Johnson’s arrest an insult to the good men and women of the NOPD and a possible problem for his office. He says they may need to review cases that Johnson was involved in investigating.

“You can rest assured that there will be immediate and swift consequences, on the state level, and a very deep dive into any other cases that might have impacted,” said Williams.

In the arrest affidavit, state police investigators pointed out explicit conversations between Johnson and Colbert dating back to 2022. They say Johnson also admitted to sleeping with Colbert one time.

The affidavit also accuses him of informing Colbert when law enforcement was cracking down on illegal activity in the French Quarter.

Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche says Johnson most likely knew it was only a matter of time before he’d be arrested.

“He knew what he was doing was a violation of departmental rules. I don’t think that was any surprise to him that he ultimately got arrested, because he knew as early as February that he was under investigation,” said Goyneche.

The police association of New Orleans, by law, represents Officer Johnson administratively, but says it doesn’t include criminal matters.

“Based on the discretion of the board, based on certain criteria, whether or not it will represent an accused officer for criminal representation. And in this manner, they have voted to deny representation. Officer Johnson has been advised to seek private counsel,” said Police Association of New Orleans attorney Eric Hessler.

Johnson’s bond was set at $9,000. If he bonds out, he will have to wear an ankle monitor.

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