DeKalb lawyer Kevin O. Johnson was in court Friday for a misdemeanor charge — which was dropped — and was charged with a felony.

Johnson, who operates a law office at 901 N. First St., allegedly took money from a former employee’s check and did not place the money in the employee’s retirement fund like he was supposed to. The felony theft charge can result in five years of jail time.

Johnson said he feels wrongfully charged and was not given formal notice of the change to a felony charge prior to the court date.

Richard Schmack, DeKalb County State’s attorney, said the money allegedly taken was between $500 and $1,000. Schmack is the state prosecutor in Johnson’s trial.

Johnson’s law license was suspended Feb. 7 and will remain suspended until Aug. 6, 2015.

According to the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, the suspension of Johnson’s law licence is because of an unrelated ethics complaint Schmack filed against Johnson.

“They pretty much destroyed me and my practice,” Johnson said. “I don’t have anything left anymore.”