CRESTVIEW — The founder of Brotherhood of Love, an organization that aims to help the poor, is charged with second-degree dealing in stolen property, a felony.
Gary Johnson, 61, of Crestview, is accused of signing a stolen vehicle's title and bill of sale as a witness, according to an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office arrest report.
Christopher Broxson, 50, took his mother's vehicle and its title from her Dad's Road residence in Milligan on Aug. 17, 2015, and he and Walter Moore, 55, discussed the vehicle and its origin in Johnson's presence, according to the OCSO arrest report.
"The victim has been deemed unable to make decisions for herself, and her legal power of attorney … did not authorize permission of the sale," the report states.
The OCSO's Drug Task Force recovered the vehicle at Johnson's residence, and Johnson admitted to knowing it was stolen, according to the report.
Broxson was arrested Oct. 5, 2015 and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle; fraud using a false instrument; exploitation of the elderly, less than $20,000; and dealing in stolen property.
Moore was arrested on Oct. 13, 2015 and charged with dealing in stolen property.
Deputies served Johnson's arrest warrant on Jan. 11. Johnson, also called Elder Johnson in faith circles, is due in court to plea before Judge Jim Ward on Feb. 16, according to Okaloosa County clerk of court records.
The Brotherhood of Love, a not-for-profit group of Crestview residents, annually provides community Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and a December toy giveaway.
Johnson's outreach ministry flourished for years when he lived in the Miami and Thomasville, Ga., areas. He resurrected the organization in November 2014, when he and a number of volunteers prepared free Thanksgiving meals for needy residents.
The goal was to feed 250 people, but more than 400 people received meals after word about the benefit spread in the News Bulletin and the Northwest Florida Daily News.
The organization reported feeding more than 500 people during its 2015 Thanksgiving feast.
In 2014, Johnson said his life mission was to do God's work, bring the Gospel to others, and inspire them to leave a life of crime.
"We want to go in the communities, break up the dope houses, the gangs — all of this," he said. "Anything that's illegal and unlawful and a downfall to the community, the Brotherhood of Love is gonna help the city get rid of that."
He echoed that sentiment in an interview last month.
"I feel if we come together as a community and give each other a helping hand, the world would rid (itself) of a lot of crime and drugs and misunderstanding and confusion," he said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Brotherhood of Love founder accused of dealing in stolen property