Cyn Johnson charged with cocaine possession in Bondi

A magistrate has expressed disbelief that a Bondi entrepreneur would encourage criminal activity near her own businesses after she was busted with drugs.

Cynthia Johnson, 32, at Waverley Local Court.

An exasperated magistrate has expressed disbelief a Bondi business owner would imperil her career and her reputation after she was busted buying drugs.

Cynthia Johnson, 32, was charged with prohibited drug possession after police witnessed the moment she bought cocaine at Bondi Beach on February 24.

Johnson owns two businesses – a luxury leather label called August the Fourth and a dog walking business called Woof of Paw St.

Agreed police facts tendered to Waverley Local Court reveal police saw Johnson outside Hotel Ravesi’s looking at her phone and around the street before she was seen getting into a car, doing a lap of the block and getting out again.

“Police had no doubt a drug transaction occurred in the vehicle,” police stated.

“She initially denied (it) and was subjected to a general search, where police located two clear resealable bags containing white powder which police believe to be the prohibited drug cocaine.”

Cynthia Johnson, 32.

Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge at court on March 21, where Magistrate Ross Hudson expressed his disbelief at her actions.

“She has two businesses in Bondi – let’s encourage the drug trade in Bondi, it’s unbelievable,” Mr Hudson said.

“Bring in more drugs – as a business owner, you would think that is the last thing you want to participate in.”

Mr Hudson acknowledged Johnson was “apologetic, scared and deeply ashamed” when she was caught by police, and that she had been celebrating a friend’s engagement when she “got carried away”.

The court also heard she was a “community-minded” person who raised $7000 for the NSW Rural Fire Service through her businesses in 2022.

“That there’s some event, so it has to be attached to drug use – I don’t get it,” Mr Hudson said.

“You’re happy to throw (your reputation) out – it’s yours to build, and you’re happy to throw it away for something that may not even agree with your body.”

Mr Hudson sentenced Johnson to a 12-month conditional release order without conviction and a condition that she not use any prohibited drugs.