Petition to the Fayetteville Police Department: Demand Accountability and Action
The Issue
To: The Fayetteville Police Department,
Fayetteville, NC
We, the undersigned, demand that the Fayetteville Police Department take immediate and appropriate action to investigate and charge Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr. for the serious crimes of felony embezzlement and stolen valor, as well as address the civil rights violations and police policy violations that have occurred as a result of the department’s inaction. The situation has gone on for far too long, and the lack of progress in this case is a direct violation of the law, the rights of victims, and the duties owed to the citizens of Fayetteville.
Background:
In September 2024, Jason Schiffman, a 100% service-connected disabled veteran and owner of Fort Liberty Lawn LLC, filed a police report with the Fayetteville Police Department regarding Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr., a former employee, who embezzled over $4,000 from his business while fraudulently claiming to be a combat veteran. Johnsey made false claims of serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment and being a combat veteran—claims that, according to official records, are entirely fabricated. In addition to the theft, Johnsey's actions violate federal law under the Stolen Valor Act (18 U.S.C. § 704) and North Carolina state laws relating to fraud, theft, and impersonation.
The theft occurred while Johnsey was employed by Fort Liberty Lawn LLC, and it is believed that Johnsey stole from both the company and its customers. The total value of the embezzled funds is closer to $8,000 when factoring in payments Johnsey received from the company while simultaneously committing theft.
Allegations of Inaction:
Despite the clear evidence and admissions from Johnsey, the Fayetteville Police Department has failed to file charges, make arrests, or provide any significant updates on the case for more than two months since the report was filed. This inaction raises serious questions regarding the police department's commitment to its responsibilities, especially given the clear violations of criminal law and the failure to investigate crimes affecting a veteran and small business owner.
The following concerns are the basis for this petition:
Felony Embezzlement:
Johnsey’s actions clearly fall under North Carolina’s criminal statutes regarding theft and embezzlement (N.C.G.S. § 14-90). The evidence provided demonstrates that Johnsey intentionally stole from the business, diverting funds and defrauding both the company and its clients.
Stolen Valor:
Johnsey has falsely claimed to be a combat veteran, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 704 (The Stolen Valor Act). Under federal law, any individual who falsely claims military service for personal gain can be charged and prosecuted.
Civil Rights Violations:
As a disabled veteran and business owner, Jason Schiffman’s civil rights have been violated by the police's failure to act. These violations include neglecting to provide equal protection under the law as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Furthermore, the police have failed to investigate this matter in a timely manner, denying the victim justice.
Police Policy Violations:
Under North Carolina General Statutes and Fayetteville Police Department policies, officers are required to conduct timely investigations and file charges when evidence of a crime is presented. The failure to proceed with charges for over two months constitutes a violation of the department’s responsibility to protect victims and pursue justice. Officers are also required to communicate with victims and provide updates on investigations (per the North Carolina Victims’ Rights Act).
Lack of Investigation:
The Fayetteville Police Department has failed to contact witnesses or customers who could corroborate the theft. Additionally, there has been no follow-up or investigation into Johnsey’s criminal behavior. This lack of action is a direct violation of the department's duty to perform a thorough investigation.
Failure to Uphold the Law:
Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-528, law enforcement is required to conduct an investigation promptly after a report is filed and file charges within a reasonable timeframe. The Fayetteville Police Department's failure to file charges after two months of inaction is a violation of these legal requirements.
Request for Action:
We demand that the Fayetteville Police Department take the following actions:
File Charges Against Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr.:
Immediately file charges for felony embezzlement, fraud, and stolen valor based on the overwhelming evidence available.
Issue an Arrest Warrant:
Issue an arrest warrant for Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr. to ensure he is held accountable for his actions.
Ensure Victims' Rights Are Protected:
Provide Jason Schiffman with a clear update on the status of the investigation, including an explanation of any delays and the reasons for inaction. As a 100% disabled combat veteran, Mr. Schiffman deserves to have his case treated with urgency and respect.
Investigate the Police Department's Inaction:
We request an independent review of the Fayetteville Police Department’s handling of this case to identify any internal policies or actions that may have contributed to the delay and lack of progress in filing charges.
Restore Faith in Law Enforcement:
Publicly commit to upholding the law, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses are protected from fraud and that criminal acts, especially those involving stolen valor, are met with swift and decisive action.
Conclusion:
The undersigned, both concerned citizens and customers of Fort Liberty Lawn LLC, demand immediate and thorough action to rectify the failure of the Fayetteville Police Department to investigate and charge Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr. for his actions. This petition is a call for justice for a veteran business owner and to ensure that no one, particularly those who falsely claim to be veterans, is allowed to defraud the public and harm small businesses in our community.
By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Jason Schiffman, other veterans, and the people of Fayetteville in demanding accountability from the Fayetteville Police Department. It is time for this case to be taken seriously and for justice to be served.
Signatures: (Please sign and add your name, address, and phone number if you are a local customer or resident)
By signing this petition, we not only seek justice for the victims involved but also aim to protect the rights of our community, uphold the integrity of law enforcement, and ensure that all who serve our country, and the businesses they operate, are given the respect and protection they deserve.
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The Issue
To: The Fayetteville Police Department,
Fayetteville, NC
We, the undersigned, demand that the Fayetteville Police Department take immediate and appropriate action to investigate and charge Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr. for the serious crimes of felony embezzlement and stolen valor, as well as address the civil rights violations and police policy violations that have occurred as a result of the department’s inaction. The situation has gone on for far too long, and the lack of progress in this case is a direct violation of the law, the rights of victims, and the duties owed to the citizens of Fayetteville.
Background:
In September 2024, Jason Schiffman, a 100% service-connected disabled veteran and owner of Fort Liberty Lawn LLC, filed a police report with the Fayetteville Police Department regarding Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr., a former employee, who embezzled over $4,000 from his business while fraudulently claiming to be a combat veteran. Johnsey made false claims of serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment and being a combat veteran—claims that, according to official records, are entirely fabricated. In addition to the theft, Johnsey's actions violate federal law under the Stolen Valor Act (18 U.S.C. § 704) and North Carolina state laws relating to fraud, theft, and impersonation.
The theft occurred while Johnsey was employed by Fort Liberty Lawn LLC, and it is believed that Johnsey stole from both the company and its customers. The total value of the embezzled funds is closer to $8,000 when factoring in payments Johnsey received from the company while simultaneously committing theft.
Allegations of Inaction:
Despite the clear evidence and admissions from Johnsey, the Fayetteville Police Department has failed to file charges, make arrests, or provide any significant updates on the case for more than two months since the report was filed. This inaction raises serious questions regarding the police department's commitment to its responsibilities, especially given the clear violations of criminal law and the failure to investigate crimes affecting a veteran and small business owner.
The following concerns are the basis for this petition:
Felony Embezzlement:
Johnsey’s actions clearly fall under North Carolina’s criminal statutes regarding theft and embezzlement (N.C.G.S. § 14-90). The evidence provided demonstrates that Johnsey intentionally stole from the business, diverting funds and defrauding both the company and its clients.
Stolen Valor:
Johnsey has falsely claimed to be a combat veteran, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 704 (The Stolen Valor Act). Under federal law, any individual who falsely claims military service for personal gain can be charged and prosecuted.
Civil Rights Violations:
As a disabled veteran and business owner, Jason Schiffman’s civil rights have been violated by the police's failure to act. These violations include neglecting to provide equal protection under the law as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Furthermore, the police have failed to investigate this matter in a timely manner, denying the victim justice.
Police Policy Violations:
Under North Carolina General Statutes and Fayetteville Police Department policies, officers are required to conduct timely investigations and file charges when evidence of a crime is presented. The failure to proceed with charges for over two months constitutes a violation of the department’s responsibility to protect victims and pursue justice. Officers are also required to communicate with victims and provide updates on investigations (per the North Carolina Victims’ Rights Act).
Lack of Investigation:
The Fayetteville Police Department has failed to contact witnesses or customers who could corroborate the theft. Additionally, there has been no follow-up or investigation into Johnsey’s criminal behavior. This lack of action is a direct violation of the department's duty to perform a thorough investigation.
Failure to Uphold the Law:
Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-528, law enforcement is required to conduct an investigation promptly after a report is filed and file charges within a reasonable timeframe. The Fayetteville Police Department's failure to file charges after two months of inaction is a violation of these legal requirements.
Request for Action:
We demand that the Fayetteville Police Department take the following actions:
File Charges Against Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr.:
Immediately file charges for felony embezzlement, fraud, and stolen valor based on the overwhelming evidence available.
Issue an Arrest Warrant:
Issue an arrest warrant for Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr. to ensure he is held accountable for his actions.
Ensure Victims' Rights Are Protected:
Provide Jason Schiffman with a clear update on the status of the investigation, including an explanation of any delays and the reasons for inaction. As a 100% disabled combat veteran, Mr. Schiffman deserves to have his case treated with urgency and respect.
Investigate the Police Department's Inaction:
We request an independent review of the Fayetteville Police Department’s handling of this case to identify any internal policies or actions that may have contributed to the delay and lack of progress in filing charges.
Restore Faith in Law Enforcement:
Publicly commit to upholding the law, ensuring that veteran-owned businesses are protected from fraud and that criminal acts, especially those involving stolen valor, are met with swift and decisive action.
Conclusion:
The undersigned, both concerned citizens and customers of Fort Liberty Lawn LLC, demand immediate and thorough action to rectify the failure of the Fayetteville Police Department to investigate and charge Clarence Gray Johnsey Jr. for his actions. This petition is a call for justice for a veteran business owner and to ensure that no one, particularly those who falsely claim to be veterans, is allowed to defraud the public and harm small businesses in our community.
By signing this petition, we stand in solidarity with Jason Schiffman, other veterans, and the people of Fayetteville in demanding accountability from the Fayetteville Police Department. It is time for this case to be taken seriously and for justice to be served.
Signatures: (Please sign and add your name, address, and phone number if you are a local customer or resident)
By signing this petition, we not only seek justice for the victims involved but also aim to protect the rights of our community, uphold the integrity of law enforcement, and ensure that all who serve our country, and the businesses they operate, are given the respect and protection they deserve.
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Petition created on November 23, 2024