Franklin Executive Takes Leave

Charles E. Johnson, a director and co-president of Franklin Resources Inc., took a leave of absence after he was arrested in an alleged domestic violence incident, the San Mateo, Calif., mutual fund company said Wednesday.

Johnson, 46, is the son of Charles B. Johnson, Franklin's chairman and chief executive. He was arrested last weekend and charged with felony domestic violence, San Mateo County Deputy Dist. Atty. Sheryl Wolcott said.

Johnson pleaded not guilty Monday to domestic violence, witness intimidation and other charges and is free on $150,000 bail, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. His wife suffered a broken eye orbital bone, Wolcott said.

Neither Johnson nor his attorney could not be reached for comment. Johnson's duties will be assumed by his brother Greg and Martin Flanagan, both presidents of the company, the company said.