An investigation by Auburn Police Division detectives which began on February 5th, 2021 when the Auburn Police Division received a complaint in reference to crimes possibly involving juvenile victims. During the investigation, Auburn man, identified as 58-year-old David Barkley Johnson, was arrested on April 14th, 2021 on felony warrants charging him with five counts of Production of Pornography with Minors. During the beginning of the investigation, pornographic images were recovered, and Johnson was identified as the suspect that produced the images.
“Evidence discovered has indicated that the victims were known to Johnson and the victims have been notified,” the division added in the original press release back in 2021.
Fast forward more than a year, Auburn Police arrested David Barkley Johnson on April 29th, 2022 on additional indictments from a Lee County Grand Jury for 15 counts of Production of Obscene Material, 15 Counts of Possession of Obscene Material, four counts of Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, and two counts of Enticing a Child for Immoral Purposes.
“The case first developed when the Auburn Police Department received a letter and report from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) regarding a possible sexual assault of a child dating back to the 1980’s,” police said in the updated release sent out Friday afternoon. “Based on evidence gathered after this initial notification, Auburn Police engaged in an investigation that ultimately led to Johnson’s arrest on multiple charges in April of 2021.”
After Johnson’s arrest in April of 2021, Auburn Police Department detectives uncovered additional evidence linking Johnson to crimes involving multiple victims.
The Auburn Police Department continued to investigate all alleged crimes which ultimately led to further criminal charges. With assistance from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the cases were presented to a Lee County Grand Jury resulting in the 36-count indictment. “The victims were juveniles known to Johnson, and the crimes occurred during a timeframe ranging from the late 1980’s through the early 2000’s,” the updated release said. “It should be noted that some, but not all of the charges stem from Johnson’s affiliation with the BSA.”
Johnson was transported to the Lee County Jail, and held on a $1,215,000 bond. The investigation by the Auburn Police Department is ongoing and the Attorney General’s Office will assist with prosecuting cases made as a result.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the Auburn Police Department at (334) 501-3140, or the Auburn Police tip line at (334) 246-1391.
