Sheriff: Victim's relative heard conversation about assault - WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

Sheriff: Victim's relative heard conversation about assault

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Nakia Johnson is an officer in Fairfax, SC (Source: Kershaw County Sheriff's Office) Nakia Johnson is an officer in Fairfax, SC (Source: Kershaw County Sheriff's Office)

KERSHAW COUNTY, SC (WMBF) A Fairfax police officer is behind bars on allegations he sexually abused an 11-year-old girl for several years after a relative accidentally heard one of the assaults over the phone.

Sheriff Jim Matthews with the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office said Nakia Karrien Johnson, 36, is facing a charge of criminal sexual conduct with a child under 11 years of age.

According to Matthews, deputies received a call Monday night in Cassatt regarding the sexual assault of the little girl. A relative of the child said the girl had gone to the store with Johnson and while they were gone, Johnson's cell phone accidentally called her.

When she answered the phone, she told deputies she heard a conversation between Johnson and the child describing the sexual encounter as it was happening.

According to the relative, she tried to call Johnson repeatedly and when he finally answered, she demanded he bring the child home.

Matthews said the relative then confronted Johnson, who drove back to his home in Fairfax. After interviewing the victim, investigators determined the alleged assault occurred in Lee County, however, further investigation revealed that the child suffered sexual abuse for several years in Kershaw County.

According to Matthews, Johnson was instructed by his Chief to return to Kershaw County to speak with investigators.

Johnson was then arrested.

"Criminal sexual conduct against children are in themselves very disturbing crimes," said Matthews. "The fact that a police officers, someone who is charged with protecting and serving the public, makes this crime even more disturbing."

Matthews said he doesn't believe in coincidences or luck, but said the crimes against the child would have continued if Johnson hadn't accidentally called the relative on his phone.

Johnson is being held at the Kershaw County Detention Center and is awaiting a bond hearing. Lee County investigators said they will also file charges against Johnson for the incident that occurred in their jurisdiction.

It is unknown at this time if Johnson is still an officer with the Fairfax Police Department.

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