Harris County Crime: Defense Attorney Charged with Smuggling Synthetic Marijuana into Prison

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has arrested defense attorney Jason Johnson on several serious charges.

These charges include possession of controlled substances in a correctional facility, involvement in organized crime and tampering with witness testimony.

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This arrest follows an investigation by the Criminal Investigations and Security Division (CISD), which was set up to strengthen security measures.

We will update this article as more information becomes available.

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A Harris County criminal defense attorney was arrested on charges of smuggling synthetic marijuana into the Harris County Jail, according to a statement released Monday by the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Jason Johnson, 42, was taken into custody at the Harris County Jail following an investigation by the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations and Security Division. The charges against Johnson include possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility and engaging in organized crime.

Authorities allege Johnson delivered sheets laced with synthetic marijuana to an incarcerated client during a court hearing on August 5, 2024. The delivery reportedly occurred while Johnson was meeting with the defendant in jail.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez created the Criminal Investigations and Detention Center Security Division in 2023 as part of a broader initiative to curb contraband smuggling into the prison. That effort included the use of drug-sniffing dogs and increased security screening for staff and visitors. The investigation into Johnson's alleged activities is ongoing, and the HCSO says more charges may be filed.