HOUSTON — A Houston defense attorney who usually defends the rights of others is now in jail as a defendant himself.
Jason Terrell Johnson, 42, was arrested Monday inside a Houston courthouse on felony charges. He’s accused of smuggling synthetic marijuana to a client during a court hearing earlier this month with the help of at least one other person.
Charges against Johnson, who’s active on social media platform Instagram, include possession of a controlled substance in a corrections facility and organized crime.
The arrest comes a year after Sheriff Ed Gonzalez established the Criminal Investigations and Security Division to curb contraband from entering the jail. It includes using drug-sniffing dogs, heightened screenings, and other measures.
Last November, a 77-year-old attorney was charged with smuggling drugs to inmates just weeks before a detention officer was accused of doing the same thing.
"This is someone that we're supposed to put our faith and trust in, that they would provide safety to the inmates of the Harris County Jail," said prosecutor Kimberly Smith at the time.
According to court documents, Johnson and his client are accused of using coded language in monitored telephone calls to coordinate their alleged plot.
KHOU 11 reporter Jason Miles went by his office in the Asiatown area but was told “no comment” when he asked about his arrest.
The Texas State Bar issued the following statement:
"The State Bar cannot comment on a specific lawyer discipline matter – even to confirm whether a case has been opened -- unless it results in a public sanction or case is heard in district court."
Johnson’s first criminal court appearance is set for Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the DA’s office plans to release more information about this case.