Corruption complaint against FNM Candidate Elsworth Johnson still pending

A formal complaint against Free National Movement (FNM) candidate and former Cabinet Minister Elsworth Johnson remains outstanding before the Bahamas Bar Council, even as he prepares for another run at public office.

In June, the FNM ratified Johnson as its candidate for the Yamacraw constituency, the seat he previously held from 2017 to 2021 during the Minnis administration. Johnson also served as Minister of Financial Services, Trade and Industry, and Immigration during that time.

However, questions are resurfacing about an unresolved complaint filed in 2023, alleging serious breaches of professional conduct during Johnson’s time practicing law after his departure from Parliament.

The complaint, lodged with the Bar Council, includes accusations of attempting to corrupt the court process, misleading the Chief Justice, and leaking confidential judicial matters to the media. Johnson is accused of trying to secure favorable outcomes for clients, some of whom were accused of using racial slurs against police officers, by seeking “special treatment” and bypassing normal appeal procedures.

It is further alleged that Johnson, unhappy with a specific ruling, approached another Magistrate in an apparent effort to influence the result, instead of pursuing an appeal through proper legal channels.

The complaint describes these actions as an attempt to undermine judicial independence and “corrupt the court process.”

One of the more troubling claims involves Johnson’s alleged attempt to influence sentencing outcomes in a domestic violence case. According to the complaint, Johnson misrepresented facts in a letter to the Chief Justice, omitting key details about the violence involved. This action allegedly violated the long-standing tradition of mutual respect between the Bench and the Bar.

The complaint also referenced the appearance of sensitive court information on the online news site Bahamas Press, suggesting Johnson had prior knowledge or involvement in the leaks.

The published letter, reportedly addressed to the Chief Justice, was allegedly never received by him before it appeared online.