OFFICIALS: East Texas man arrested for conspiracy to commit committee murder; search of his home found supplies for torture and kidnapping

MORRIS COUNTY, Texas – An East Texas man is behind bars for allegedly plotting a murder.

According to the Morris County Sheriff's OfficeLast week, Detective Macey Stewart reportedly uncovered a Morris County resident's plot to kidnap and murder another person.

Sergeant 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 detailed plan was devised to take the suspect into custody and on Monday, August 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 without injury to him or the arresting officers.”

The MCSO states that a 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 and large quantities of chemicals 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 to my team of investigators and the Texas Rangers for their diligent and efficient work. They worked many hours to arrest Johnson before anyone was harmed, and I am proud of them for catching him without anyone getting hurt,” said Sheriff Jack Martin.