Mother of ex-NHL player sentenced to prison in bankruptcy false-records case
WILLIAMSPORT — A Centre County woman will soon be locked up in federal prison like her husband for falsifying records in a bankruptcy case.
U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Wednesday gave Christina Johnson, 70, until June 12 to self-surrender and begin serving a 15-month sentence.
Her husband, John J. Johnson, II, 73, is serving an 18-month sentence imposed in March on the same charge. They will be in separate prisons.
Each also received a year of supervision after release, during which they must perform 30 hours of community service.
They are the parents of retired NHL defenseman Jack Johnson, who played 19 seasons in the NHL with six teams, including with the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. He also played on the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the silver medal in Vancouver in 2010.
Jack Johnson declared bankruptcy himself in 2014, six years after he granted his parents power of attorney, giving them the authority to manage his earnings.
Brann noted the Boalsburg couple had scammed millions from their son.
According to published reports, they borrowed more than $15 million against their son’s future earnings and spent it on luxury homes, cars and trips to his games.
The son’s bankruptcy filing listed debts exceeding $10 million and assets under $50,000.
Brann noted during the sentencing hearings for each parent they have no contact with their son.
The charge to which the Johnsons pleaded guilty involved the bankruptcy of the now-closed Springfield House Bed and Breakfast.
The Johnsons admitted not disclosing to the bankruptcy trustee on their list of assets a second bank account and making a fictitious filing related to their debtor-in-possession account at M&T Bank.
Christina Johnson engaged in a pattern of fraud, Brann said, referring to a previous conviction and the dealings with her son. She hasn’t gotten the message, he said.
The judge told her he would have the marshals investigate her claim that her husband is not receiving proper medical care in prison.

