Defense attorney Jason Johnson is now facing a fourth felony charge after investigators accused him of knowingly bringing drug-laced papers to a client in jail.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that Johnson has also been charged with possession of child pornography. This charge emerged after a search warrant related to the drug allegations led investigators to seize an iPad from Johnson. Prosecutors claim the device contained disturbing pornographic images of an underage family member.
“This investigation was serious enough when it began with him bringing contraband into the jail, but we never expected it would take such a dark turn,” said Kimberly Smith of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors revealed that the iPad, found in a pink Hello Kitty case, was used to disguise the device as belonging to a child. They allege that Johnson carried the iPad everywhere, suspecting he intended to conceal evidence.
Johnson’s defense attorneys counter that the iPad does belong to the child, who they claim is a victim of online predators.
“(The child) was victimized by an online predator, a 42-year-old man who sent her pornography and manipulated her into sending explicit content back. The DA’s office is aware of this but has not taken any action to prosecute the predator,” argued defense attorney Vikram Vij.
The defense also raised concerns about the accusations related to drug-laced papers, suggesting that such charges should be alarming for all attorneys.
“Lawyers regularly bring materials to clients without knowing what’s on them. The idea that attorneys could be prosecuted for unknowingly passing contraband is deeply concerning,” said defense attorney D’Angelo Lowe.
Despite facing his fourth felony charge, Johnson continues to work as a defense attorney after posting bail.
