MORRIS COUNTY, Texas — An East Texas man is behind bars for allegedly planning to commit a murder.
According to the Morris County Sheriff's Office, last week, Dep. Macey Stewart reportedly uncovered a plot by a Morris County resident to abduct and murder another person.
Sgt. Kellie Hooper assembled a team including Texas Rangers to investigate the alleged plan and intercept the suspect before anyone was harmed.
"Sgt. Hooper and Texas Ranger David Stewart quickly developed solid probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant and search warrant for the suspect’s property," the MCSO said. "A precise plan was crafted to take the suspect into custody, and on Monday, Aug. 13, 2024, Cpl. Bruce Thompson, Dep. Darrius Everett and Texas Ranger Joshua Mason took Mark Anthony Johnson, 49, of the Naples, Texas, area into custody with no injuries to him or the arresting officers."
The MCSO says the search of Johnson’s property resulted in the recovery of supplies that could be used in the kidnapping, torture and murder of a targeted victim, including deadly weapons, a large amount of chemicals used to destroy evidence.
Johnson was charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder and is being held in the Morris County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond.
"I deeply appreciate the diligent and efficient work of my team of investigators and the Texas Rangers who worked long hours to get Johnson taken into custody before anyone was harmed, and I’m proud of them for capturing him without anyone being injured," said Sheriff Jack Martin.