Matthew Tod Johnson

By BRETT BOGGS
TVSC Superintendent

AKRON — A 1979 Tippecanoe Valley High School graduate, Matthew Tod Johnson earned a bachelor of arts and sciences degree from Letourneau University that paved the way for his being certified as a fraud examiner, an anti-money laundering specialist and a commissioned national bank examiner.

Recognized as an expert on financial fraud issues, fictitious financial instruments and money laundering, he frequently is called upon to testify against alleged criminals in federal courts around the country. So far he has testified in more than 60 federal cases that resulted in a 100 percent conviction rate.

He has dedicated 29 years with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in various capacities and worked with U.S. government entities that required travel to the Mideast, Africa, Central and South America and Asia while investigating alleged terrorist activity at the same time he was educating representatives of foreign governments on potential terrorist financing vulnerabilities. That work has earned him specific federal government awards for the performance of his duties.

While in college, he spent almost seven weeks in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, assisting in building a camp for young people. He continues to work with several charities.

Asked if he had a significant obstacle to overcome, he replied, “Other than trying to ‘stand out’ from the accomplishments of my siblings, rising above the environment of my youth — which my siblings also did — I have charted a better path than the one some felt I was predestined to follow.”