Criminal Proceedings Suspended for Former Half Moon Bay Officer

Criminal proceedings were suspended on Monday for a former Half Moon Bay police officer charged with embezzling thousands of dollars from the department's officers' association over a two-year period, the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office said today.

Askia Mohammed Johnson has been charged with a felony count of embezzlement for allegedly taking $5,700 from the Half Moon Bay Police Department Officer's Association, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Johnson, who worked in Half Moon Bay from 2008 to 2010, had always stated that he intended to return the money, the District Attorney's Office said. In the years following the alleged embezzlement, he paid $4,000 back to the association, according to the District Attorney's Office.

At Johnson's San Mateo County court appearance Monday, attorney Ross Green expressed doubt regarding his client's competency to stand trial. The court suspended criminal proceedings and ordered Johnson to be examined by two physicians, despite his objections.

Johnson's case will resume on July 6, when the court will review the physicians' reports and set further competency proceedings.

The defendant is out of custody on his own recognizance, the District Attorney's Office said.

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