WFTV.comNews
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Caucasian Man Mistaken For African-American Suspect

POSTED: 5:59 pm EST November 16, 2007
UPDATED: 9:18 am EST November 17, 2007

A bad case of mistaken identity in Orange County should have been as clear as black and white. Anthony Johnson, an African American, was convicted of felony drug possession. Andrew Johnson, a white man, is the innocent victim of a case of mistaken identity.


MUST SEE: 99-Photo Strange News Slideshow

Andrew Johnson said he's been unable to drive or even work, because of someone else's mistake. His truck will stay parked in his front yard until he can prove that he is not Anthony Johnson

The two guys don't look anything alike, but going through the red tape to prove it isn't easy. Now 46-year-old Andrew Johnson can't go anywhere unless his mom drives him.

"It's embarrassing," he told Eyewitness News.

STRANGE PHOTOS
The Ocoee Police Department took his driver's license because they thought he was Anthony Johnson.

"Obviously it's mistaken identity. We are two different races," Andrew told Eyewitness News.

Anthony Johnson has been arrested twice in Broward County for felony drug possession. His license was revoked in February. The Broward County Sheriffs Office accidentally mixed up Anthony's driver's license number with Andrew's.

"I can't understand why they cant look at this and say we made a mistake," Andrew said.

Amazingly, police told Eyewitness News the burden of proof falls on the victim.

"It's a shame the court system is so messed up, they make a mistake and we have to correct it," he said.

Andrew is an electrical contractor and has to drive to his jobs. He's been out of work for two weeks trying to get the mix up cleared up. He sent a photo ID, fingerprints and copies of his birth certificate to the State Attorney's Office in Ft. Lauderdale two days ago.

"I'd like to get this cleared up so I can get on with my life," Andrew said.

Eyewitness News called the State Attorney's Office in Ft. Lauderdale Friday afternoon and made them aware of the mix up. They actually have an "it's not me" unit. It usually takes three weeks to get the cases cleared up, but they promised they would put a rush on it so Andrew can get back to work.


Market Place

Sponsor Links

Links We Like

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home you should also consider upgrading your insurance. More Details

Harmless mole or deadly skin cancer? Find out how to tell the difference, and see all the risks and signs of skin cancer. More Details

If you want to be able to retire comfortably it’s important to know how much of your salary to save each month. Find out what’s best for you with these helpful tips. More Details

Keep your finger on the pulse of the automotive industry and get info on all the latest trends that are hitting the road today. More Details

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Strange News Photos

From brilliant to bizarre, this 99-photo slideshow captures a variety of strange news. New photos are added frequently, so prepare to be shocked and amused. Take A Look!

Caught In The Act

Surveillance video was released of an aggressive armed robbery at a Walgreens store in Orange County. More Details

Top 10 Video

Monkey Ban Angers Woman
Check out the best video clips on the Internet. New to the list: A woman cries foul over alleged monkey blacklisting! More Details


Credit Center

560? 675? 720? The Average US Credit Score is 692. What is Your Score? See it Instantly Online for $0. More
Experian

Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert

- Breaking News Alerts
- Severe Weather Alerts
Download the Eyewitness News 9 Desktop Alert - CLICK HERE - IT'S FREE

Back To Top