Johnston County police officer who is also a school board member under investigation

A Johnston County school board member has been suspended with pay from his job as a Smithfield police detective.

Det. Ronald Johnson has been on administrative leave with pay since Tuesday, according to a statement Thursday by Smithfield Police Chief R.K. Powell. Johnson has been a Smithfield police officer for 17 years and was elected to the school board in 2016.

“The department is currently conducting an internal investigation involving Detective Johnson,” Powell added in his statement. “I have no further information that can be shared due to this being a personnel matter and an ongoing investigation.”

Johnson did not immediately return an email and voicemail Thursday requesting comment.

Smithfield Mayor Andy Moore said in a statement that the town takes allegations against its employees seriously and investigates them as thoroughly and as quickly as possible. But Moore said personnel matters are confidential under state law so there’s little they can comment on publicly.

“When matters are brought to our attention, we act promptly and take appropriate action; however, the Town must allow time for an employee to prepare a response,” Moore said in the statement. “This is part of our basic due process.

“We understand public concern for efficient government operations, and please understand that due process can take time, but we always want to strive to get all the facts before concluding and making decisions. The rule of law is central to the American system, though at times frustrating.”

Conservative school board member

The suspension from the police does not prevent Johnson from serving on the school board.

Johnson made waves in 2019 and 2020 accusing school district leaders of engaging in corrupt behavior.

Johnson also made national headlines in 2021 spearheading a new school board policy that puts rules on how teachers can discuss race and racism. For instance, the policy says students can’t be taught that racism is a permanent part of American life.

Johnson, a Republican, isn’t up for re-election this year. But he’s been working with a group of conservative school board candidates to get them elected this year.

Last month, Johnson filed a complaint accusing a woman of stalking him. The complaint was dismissed.