(Press Release) A couple is expected to make their first court appearance next month after a deputy successfully connects a string of fraudulent purchases (on a stolen debit card) to a woman living in Ahwahnee. While the stolen card was never found, deputies did find Meth, Methadone and Marijuana, as well as, a stolen firearm, stolen driver’s license, and a makeshift septic leaking raw sewage onto the property.
On January 17th, a Madera County Sheriff's deputy took a report on a stolen debit card – on which numerous purchases had been made. Within three days of that initial report the deputy got the lead he needed after watching video surveillance. The suspect was identified as Melissa Mae Johnson of Ahwahnee.
The 31-year-old mother of two was home when the deputy paid her a visit. She insisted she had done nothing wrong, and that she would never steal. When confronted about surveillance showing her making a purchase, she insisted she was not a thief.
She refused to let the deputy into her home to search for the stolen card.
Five days later, after securing a search warrant, deputies, along with two Detectives and an Agent from MADNET, returned to Johnson's home.
Although they couldn’t find the stolen card in question, they did find a driver’s license reported stolen from the same establishment a year ago, a firearm reported stolen out of Stanislaus County back in the 80’s, and drugs.
Deputies asked about three marijuana plants growing inside the home, and Melissa’s husband, 43-year-old Wayne Johnson showed deputies his recommendation card signed by a doctor in Fresno.
But since there is no recommendation for Methamphetamine, that narcotic was seized, as well as Methadone, which was also found inside the couple’s home.
In addition to the drugs and stolen property, deputies discovered an above ground makeshift septic attached to a pipe that was leaking sewage onto the property.
Code Enforcement was summoned to the mobile and after inspection red-tagged the home.
Both Wayne and his wife Melissa were taken into custody and booked into Madera County Department of Corrections; and posted bail that same day.
Melissa Johnson was booked on suspicion of burglary, possession of a controlled substance, receiving known stolen property, child endangerment, and resisting a Peace Officer. Her bail set at $15,000.
Wayne Johnson was booked on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment. His bail set at $10,000.
Both are expected to appear in court February 28th.
TXT 24
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