Defendant “Ensnared” by His Own Belt after Rape of Teen

Cecil Johnson, Guilty of 2003 Rape, Faces Life in Prison

Atlanta—Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that Cecil Johnson (38) has been convicted of rape and aggravated assault with intent to rape for the 19 July 2003 assault on a 13-year-old girl. Johnson lured the victim to an abandoned building at 2017 Jonesboro Road in southeast Atlanta. He grabbed her by the throat and dragged her inside, where he raped her twice on a piece of old cardboard. He also forced the girl to smoke crack cocaine and stole $5 from her before leaving her there. After returning home, the victim immediately informed her mother and older brother. The family went looking for the defendant and found him at a park near the crime scene. The victim’s brother put Johnson in the car and drove him back to the family’s home where he was held until the police arrived. While no DNA evidence was found, the defendant’s belt was found at the scene and was splattered with paint—paint that matched splatters found on his pants, shirt, and boots.

Sentencing has been delayed, but the defendant faces life in prison.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Fani Willis prosecuted the case. Atlanta Police Investigator S. Purvis, along with Senior Investigator Marshall English of the District Attorney’s Office, worked the case. Judge Stephanie Manis presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404.224.0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us