Press Article: Dijon Johnson Cleared of Felony Charges Amid Gators Football Preparations
GAINESVILLE — Florida Gators cornerback Dijon Johnson has received a significant reprieve as he will not face prosecution for two felony charges stemming from a traffic stop in Tampa on May 2. Tim Taylor, Johnson’s attorney, confirmed that the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office has decided not to take further legal action.
In a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, Taylor expressed gratitude for the professionalism exhibited by the prosecutors throughout the process. "Dijon and his family are happy to have this matter behind them," he stated, emphasizing Johnson’s focus on his academic and athletic commitments as the football season approaches.
The Gators’ training camp is set to open Wednesday, with Johnson as a leading candidate for a starting position in the secondary after a solid performance last season, where he recorded 27 tackles, two for loss, and defended two passes. Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 196-pound junior, has been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
The trouble began when Tampa police charged Johnson, 21, after he failed to completely stop at a stop sign while driving a gray Dodge Challenger. The officers reportedly smelled burnt marijuana, which led to a search of his vehicle, revealing a backpack containing eight grams of synthetic marijuana and a loaded Glock 19 firearm.
Johnson faced serious charges, including possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies, along with two misdemeanors. Despite the legal issues, he returned to the team for offseason drills.
With legal troubles behind him, Johnson is now set to concentrate on his football responsibilities as the Gators gear up for the upcoming season.
For further details, contact Edgar Thompson at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com.
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