Former Alabama Prosecutor Convicted of Soliciting Sexual Favors from Defendants

A former Alabama prosecutor has been found guilty of using his job to ask for and receive sexual favors from defendants in criminal cases.

Mark Johnson, who used to work as an Assistant District Attorney in Houston County, was convicted on six ethics charges, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. This announcement was made on Friday, following Johnson’s conviction on Thursday.

Johnson was arrested in 2022.

During the four-day trial, evidence showed that Johnson used his role to ask for sexual favors from three defendants. In one case, he asked a defendant facing life in prison for a drug charge to arrange for an escort. Later, he asked the same defendant for another woman who had just been released from prison.

Johnson also solicited and received a sexual photo from a female defendant. In return, he helped her avoid going to court-ordered drug rehab so he could keep in touch with her. In another instance, he asked for sexual photos and contact and then helped a female defendant avoid warrants and fines related to her convictions.

After being convicted, Johnson was taken into custody.

Attorney General Marshall said, “This is a clear case of someone using their position to exploit vulnerable women for his own satisfaction. Mr. Johnson broke the public trust by abusing his role, and now he must face the consequences.”

Johnson could face 2 to 20 years in prison for each charge, but a sentencing date has not yet been set.