FCCI reverses course, fires CEO for alleged battery on police officers

FCCI Insurance Group has terminated Craig Johnson as president and CEO of the $840 million insurance firm and removed him from the board, effective immediately, for his role in an alleged battery on two Sarasota police officers during an incident at a Sarasota restaurant. 

Johnson’s May 12 firing comes five days after he was arrested, stemming from an incident at the Wicked Cantina, just north of downtown Sarasota. It also comes four days since the Lakewood Ranch-based company’s board announced its support of the CEO, saying, in a May 8 statement, “We have no doubt in Mr. Johnson’s integrity and ability to lead the company.” That initial May 8 statement added that Johnson “vehemently denies the allegations and expects to be fully vindicated from any wrongdoing. The board has spoken directly with Mr. Johnson and has accepted his denial.”