Ex-Virginia state trooper sentenced in forgery case

ACCOMAC, Va. – A former Virginia state trooper who admitted writing summonses for nonexistent offences has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service.

Forty-three-year-old Johnny Godwin was originally charged with six felony counts of forging public records and signing names on three of them. The Daily Times of Salisbury reports that Godwin pleaded guilty on Friday to three downgraded misdemeanour charges of making false entry of records by an officer.

Defence attorney Christopher Voltin noted Godwin’s 20 years of “exemplary” service. He said he made a poor choice under pressure.

Judge Stephen Mahan barred Godwin from holding any office of honour or trust in the commonwealth. He also sentenced Godwin to 12 months for each misdemeanour count, but suspended the entire sentence.