Former WTVM employee arrested for theft by deception
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- Former WTVM marketing employee Kimberly Johnson arrested for creating false advertisements and receiving commissions, causing $29,295.78 in losses.
- Johnson turned herself in January 11, 2024, charged with felony theft by deception; investigation ongoing.
A former WTVM employee has been arrested by police officials for theft by deception.
Columbus police says the investigation began in October of 2023, after WTVM reported fraudulent activities by one of its former employees, Kimberly Johnson, who served as a marketing and advertising representative.
“The investigation uncovered several false advertisements created by Johnson for various businesses in the area,” police said.
Johnson received commission from each of the false advertisements. Based on the deceptive advertisements, WTVM spent additional funds on third-party platforms such as Meta/Facebook, Google, and other advertising companies. Due to the fraudulent activities, WTVM incurred a loss of $29,295.78.
Warrants were issued for Johnson’s arrest on Friday, January 5, 2024. Several days later, on January 11, 2024, Johnson turned herself in to police and was transported to the Muscogee County Jail. She is charged with Theft by Deception (Felony).
The investigation is ongoing.
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