NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A Huger man who gained attention for harassing Hispanic men in a viral video has been released on bond after turning himself in to the Sullivan’s Island Police Department on Friday.
Sean Michael-Emmrich Johnson, 34, appeared virtually in court on Saturday from the Al Cannon Detention Center. He is facing serious charges, including felony kidnapping, impersonating a law enforcement officer, larceny, and third-degree assault and battery. The charges stem from a video that surfaced on social media earlier this week, in which Johnson allegedly impersonates an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
In the video, Johnson can be heard telling the occupants of a vehicle, “You got caught, where are you from, Mexico? You’re going back.” At one point, he appears to take the driver’s keys, preventing them from leaving.
During his court appearance, Johnson’s public defender expressed his regret for the incident, explaining that Johnson is deeply sorry for his actions. The family also spoke out, highlighting Johnson’s struggles with mental health and alcohol issues, and requested that the judge grant him bond for treatment purposes. They assured the court that Johnson is not a flight risk and does not pose a danger to the community.
However, the judge acknowledged the gravity of the charges, especially given the apparent risk to others, stating she was “mindful of the indicia of danger” related to the charges of kidnapping and impersonation.
Johnson is scheduled for another court appearance on March 4 on Sullivan’s Island.
This incident coincides with heightened immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, as Congresswoman Nancy Mace reported on a recent ICE ride-along in the Lowcountry. According to ICE, as of January 31, they had arrested 7,412 individuals believed to be in the U.S. illegally.
