Foster mom charged with child abuse
Her lawyer says she is a ‘solid foster family advocate’ and innocent
An Oroville foster mom was arraigned in Butte County Superior Court on multiple counts of child abuse Thursday. The foster parents charges include assault, criminal threats and hate crime enhancements
Candace Lee Johnson, 49, of Oroville, was placed under arrest Sept. 21 and accused of abuse against six children in her custody ranging in ages from four to 15 years old. Following arrest, she was booked into the Butte County Jail.
An investigation by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office into Johnson began Aug. 28, said District Attorney Mike Ramsey. A video supposedly depicting Johnson physically abusing one of the children in her home prompted the investigation.
Johnson was initially arrested on suspicion of a single count of child abuse and another count of assault Aug. 29 but she posted bail and was out of jail within 24 hours, the DA’s Office said. Johnson’s children were removed from her home by child protection authorities.
Following Johnson’s paid bail, the investigation continued and the DA’s Office says additional evidence of child abuse were discovered. The DA’s office also said during the investigation, information came forward that Johnson regularly hurled racial epithets at the only two children of color in her custody and that abuse towards these children was motivated in part because of their race. Based on the new charges, a warrant was issued for Johnson’s arrest but multiple attempts to locate her were unsuccessful.
The DA’s Office said Johnson turned herself in Tuesday to the Butte County Jail where a criminal complaint against her alleging eight counts of child abuse, criminal threats and assault with two hate crime enhancements was filed against her.
Johnson’s attorney, Chico-based Grady M. Davis said via email Friday he believes facts will show his client is innocent.
“Candace Lee Johnson is nearly 50 years old and has spent much of her life as a solid foster family advocate. She has no prior criminal history,” Davis said. “Mrs. Johnson has three children of her own and has adopted and fostered other children. She has recently had guardianship over three additional children. The task of raising foster and adopted children is a tireless job which frequently involves dealing with babies or children from drug exposed births.”
Davis said since taking the case, he has received frequent letters from community members in support of Johnson.
“I firmly believe that when the facts are brought forward, we will learn that Mrs. Johnson is innocent and is being tarred and feathered based on lies and distortions,” Davis said.
Johnson is scheduled to be back in court with her attorney at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29 for further arraignment and entry of plea. She is in custody with bail set at $330,000.