BEDFORD—The Lawrence County Police Department arrested a New Albany woman on a warrant after an alleged battery and for violating an active protective order.
The probable cause affidavit, filed by Officer Christian James, 43-year-old Riquitta Johnson is facing charges of battery causing bodily injury and invasion of privacy.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the male victim, who is 81, reported the incidents to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department on March 26, 2025.
The male reported that Johnson, against whom he holds an active protective order, allegedly struck him several times with an open hand around his face and head on March 7, 2025.
On March 8, 2025, the affidavit states that Johnson allegedly forced the male to drive to a bank, withdraw $2,000, and give the money to her. She reportedly forced him to drive her to New Albany, where she was dropped off. The bank allegedly addressed the issue regarding the money. The existence of an active protective order against Ms. Johnson forms the basis for the invasion-of-privacy charge related to contact.
The male victim reported receiving threatening text messages since the March 7 incident. Officer James noted in the affidavit that while speaking with the victim, Johnson called the dispatch line from the same number that sent the threatening messages.
The affidavit notes a prior welfare check conducted on March 23, 2025, at the male victim’s residence. The responding officer noted marks on the male’s face, but the male did not disclose the cause of the marks or request to press charges.
Officer James stated that attempts to contact Johnson at the reported phone number were unsuccessful, and she may be using Wi-Fi for text communication.
The affidavit confirms that the male victim provided text message evidence and photos of his face, along with the protective order, all of which have been attached as evidence.
Based on the evidence presented, Officer James formally requested an arrest warrant. Johnson was detained on December 8.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
