ST. LOUIS  •   Dorian Johnson, who rose to fame as a witness to Michael Brown's fatal encounter with Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, has been hired to do work for the city of St. Louis.

Jeff Rainford, Mayor Francis Slay's chief of staff, has confirmed that Johnson was hired under a state grant through the city's Agency on Training and Employment, or SLATE.

Officials said he is doing work for the city. The job, listed as a temporary position, pays about $8.50 an hour.

Rainford said Johnson met the low income eligibility requirements for the hiring.  

Johnson, 22, was with Brown at Ferguson Market and Liquor when Brown stole a box of Swisher Sweets cigarillos and shoved a store employee. Johnson was walking with Brown when they were stopped in the street by Wilson.

Johnson couldn't be reached for comment. 

Officials have said Johnson will not be charged in connection with the cigarillo incident. While enrolled at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Johnson had a bench warrant issued against him on a misdemeanor theft charge.  

His former attorney, former St. Louis Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr., also confirmed the employment and said Johnson had been looking for work and his happy to have a job.