Houston Defense Attorney Arrested on Drug Charges
Jason Terrell Johnson, a prominent Houston defense attorney known for defending the rights of others, finds himself on the other side of the law. The 42-year-old lawyer was arrested inside a Houston courthouse on felony charges, including possession of a controlled substance in a corrections facility and organized crime.
The allegations against Johnson stem from an incident earlier this month where he is accused of smuggling synthetic marijuana to a client during a court hearing, with the assistance of at least one other individual. These charges are a stark contrast to his usual role as a legal advocate.
The arrest comes amidst efforts by Sheriff Ed Gonzalez to combat contraband entering the jail, including the use of drug-sniffing dogs and enhanced screenings. In recent months, there have been several incidents involving individuals attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility.
Court documents reveal that Johnson and his client used coded language in monitored phone calls to coordinate their alleged scheme. When reporters approached his office for comment, they were met with a firm “no comment” response.
While the Texas State Bar refrained from commenting on the specific disciplinary matter, Johnson’s first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. Additionally, the District Attorney’s office intends to divulge more information about the case in the near future.
As this legal drama unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced within the justice system. Even those entrusted with upholding the law can find themselves entangled in its web.
Johnson’s office told me “no comment” when I stopped by this afternoon. I’ll have new details on accusations against the attorney later on @KHOU at 6:00 #khou11 https://t.co/BGilPxgOXh
— Jason Miles (@JMilesKHOU) August 26, 2024