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Last defendant in Road Dog case sentenced
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The last man charged during the federal investigation of the Road Dog Cycle shop in Denair was sentenced Monday to prison.

Stephen J. Johnson, 62, of Linden was sentenced to 21 months in prison for conspiring to obstruct justice, four counts of perjury before a federal grand jury, and two counts of making false statements to the FBI.

Johnson was one of several individuals arrested after an extensive investigation into the motorcycle shop and owner Robert Holloway on allegations of racketeering and trafficking in stolen goods.

Holloway pled guilty to racketeering and extortion charges and was sentenced to four years in prison in September 2010.

Johnson, a former law enforcement dog trainer, was found guilty in August 2010 on all charges. The same jury found private investigator Gary Ermoian guilty of obstruction and perjury charges and acquitted Dave Swanson, a retired Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy.

The prosecutors presented evidence during the trial that Johnson discussed possible surveillance activity at the Road Dog Cycle shop with Holloway and Ermoian.

When interviewed by the FBI in 2008, Johnson denied assisting Holloway in hiding evidence and informing Holloway about law enforcement surveillance. Johnson then testified under oath before a federal grand jury later in 2008 and further denied assisting Holloway.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.