Torture paraphernalia found during investigation into Morris County murder plot

MORRIS COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) – A man was arrested for allegedly plotting to kidnap, torture and murder a person in Morris County.

According to Morris County Sheriff Jack Martin, a deputy uncovered a plot by a local resident to kidnap and murder another person last week. A team consisting of sheriff's office investigators and Texas Rangers worked to apprehend the suspect before anyone was harmed.

Authorities had probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant and a search warrant for the suspect's property, and the sheriff said a plan was put in place to take the suspect into custody.

On Monday, authorities arrested 49-year-old Mark Anthony Johnson of the Naples, Texas area.

A search of Johnson's property found supplies used in the kidnapping, torture and murder of the intended victim, Martin said, including lethal weapons, large quantities of chemicals and other materials used to destroy evidence.

Johnson was charged with conspiracy to commit capital crimes and is being held in the Morris County Jail on $1 million bail.

“I am deeply grateful for the diligent and efficient work of my investigative team and the Texas Rangers, who worked many hours to take Johnson into custody before anyone was harmed, and I am proud of them for catching him without anyone being hurt,” Martin said.

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