FCCI Insurance CEO Craig Johnson Fired After Arrest At Sarasota Restaurant

May 12--SARASOTA -- FCCI Insurance Group has fired its chief executive after he was arrested following an alleged altercation at a Sarasota restaurant last week.

The commercial property and casualty insurance company, founded in Sarasota, announced Tuesday that the company's board of directors voted to terminate president and CEO Craig Johnson and remove him from FCCI's board, effective immediately.

"Mr. Johnson is innocent until proven guilty," his attorney, Derek Byrd, said in an emailed statement. "I would prefer to see the Board of FCCI allow the facts to play out and give Mr. Johnson his due process before terminating him. He gave his heart and soul to the company for 17 years, so this is obviously a painful, and perhaps unjust, ending."

His termination follows a personal incident unrelated to the company in which the board determined that Johnson, 51, did not meet the company's standards, according to a news release posted to FCCI's website.

Johnson, his son, Nathan Johnson, 22, and Ethan McGregor, 22, were arrested May 7 after the owner of Wicked Cantina, 1603 N. Tamiami Trail, said they appeared drunk and were instigating arguments with customers. The owner asked them to be leave, but all three men reportedly refused.

When police tried to escort them off the property, they become physically aggressive, according to a Sarasota Police Department report.

Johnson was arrested and charged with battering officers, resisting arrest and trespassing. His son, Nathan, was charged with battery on a law enforcement officers, resisting arrest and trespassing after he allegedly punched a police officer twice.

Johnson denied allegations that he struck an officer.

"Mr. Johnson is a pillar in our community," Johnson's attorney, Derek Byrd, said Monday in an emailed statement. "I would ask all to not rush to judgment and allow all the facts, not just one side, to come out in the due course of his case. Mr. Johnson has great respect for law enforcement and vehemently denies striking an officer."

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McGregor was charged with trespassing and resisting arrest.

Craig Johnson and Nathan Johnson were released from jail on $1,000 bail. McGregor was released on $2,000 bail.

A June 19 arraignment date has been set for Craig Johnson and McGregor.

FCCI said it began reviewing the situation and placed Johnson on a leave of absence immediately after learning of the incident. The board determined it was in the best interests of the company to terminate him, the news release stated.

On Sunday, the board appointed Christopher S. Shoucair to the role of interim chief executive officer and president. He will continue to serve in his new role.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County lists FCCI with approximately 500 employees, which would rank it among the largest private-sector companies based in Sarasota. The company provides insurance coverage and services in 19 states.

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