Bank sues Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson over unpaid business loans
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Wells Fargo Bank has filed two lawsuits against Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson and his wife, according to court documents.
The lawsuits name Johnson as a private citizen and are independent of his role as mayor.
The lawsuits, both filed in March, list Johnson, his wife and businesses owned by them — Augusta Office Solutions, Modern Business Workplace Solutions and G&T Johnson Properties — as defendants.
In a lawsuit filed March 10, Wells Fargo states on May 15, 2019, a $150,000 line of credit was extended to Augusta Office Solutions.
City officials change downtown beautification plan, add some parking spaces back
After a meeting in downtown Augusta, the city has changed parts of the bike lane plans, adding back at least 170 parking spaces.
Wells Fargo claims Augusta Office Solutions failed to meet payment obligations. As of Feb. 24, the company owed $166,262.36, the bank says.
According to the lawsuit, Wells Fargo is asking for Augusta Office Solutions to pay the principal amount of $149,936.93, plus interest through Feb. 24 in the amount of $16,325.43.
Another lawsuit was filed March 11, stating that on April 3, 2020, Modern Business Workplace Solutions was issued a line of credit.
Johnson, his wife, Augusta Office Solutions and G&T Johnson Properties are listed as guarantors in this lawsuit, according to court documents.
The lawsuit states the defendants failed to make monthly payments that were required.
Learn about the sole finalist for Augusta procurement director
The Augusta Commission on Tuesday narrowed the list of procurement director candidates to a single finalist – Aaron G Penick.
Wells Fargo issued notices of default to the Johnsons and their businesses, Augusta Office Solutions and G&T Johnson Properties, on Aug. 27 and Dec. 11, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit states Wells Fargo asks that Modern Business Workplace Solutions pay the principal amount of $695,815.21, plus interest through Feb. 24 in the amount of $12,345.14.
In both lawsuits, Wells Fargo asks that all attorney fees be paid by the defendants.
“This a personal business matter and it has no bearing on my duties or responsibilities as mayor. Being a small business owner always presents numerous challenges. We are addressing them, and I will continue focusing on leading our city and serving the residents of Augusta-Richmond County,” said Johnson in a statement.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
