Goose Creek man expected to face more charges in housing fraud investigation

GOOSE CREEK, SC (WCSC) - Investigators say a Goose Creek man accused of renting out foreclosed homes to unsuspecting tenants is anticipated to face more charges.

On Friday, Goose Creek PD officials announced that they have currently identified 11 cases in connection to the arrest of Earl Johnson Jr. who is accused, along with others, of illegally renting homes over which they have no legal rights.

"Investigators have shared information with other local authorities who are developing similar and are consulting with federal authorities," GCPD officials said."Investigators anticipate placing numerous additional charges against Johnson.

The Summerville Police Department recently filed a charge against Johnson for obtaining goods or money by false pretenses in connection with a home he allegedly rented to a family in the Summerhaven subdivision, according to court documents.

"Most recently, it was discovered that Johnson, using a makeshift letterhead in the name 'Eagle's Nest Foundation - A Division of EJ Organization,' solicited items from Lowe's under the premise of a  'Neighborhood Stabilization' initiative," GCPD officials said on Friday."Lowe's did not provide any of the requested items. Investigators are asking any citizens or merchants that may have received similar letters to notify GCPD and to not make any donations."

Johnson turned himself in to authorities Tuesday morning at the Berkeley County Jail, insisting his innocence and complaining about the manner in which Goose Creek police released information that they were searching for him.

"They obviously put me on the news like I was a murderer, that's why," Johnson said on Tuesday. "I didn't commit any crime, I reserve my right and that's what I do."

Goose Creek police said they received multiple calls from potential victims of Johnson's alleged scheme.

GCPD Capt. John Grainger said Tuesday some of those victims were referred to surrounding jurisdictions.

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