Man who helped suspects escape avoids jail time

Jermarcus Johnson, the man who pleaded guilty last year to helping Young Dolph’s alleged killers escape from Memphis, will not spend time in prison.

Instead, the judge ruled that he would spend the next six years on probation, a form of probation. At the end of this period, the charge will be dropped and it can be expunged from the record.

During this six-year probationary period, he will have to perform 20 hours of community service per year, continue to undergo drug testing, will not be allowed to own a firearm, will be required to take parenting classes and take a career development course.

Johnson was sentenced Friday morning, just over two months after his half-brother Justin Johnsonwas convicted of murder of Memphis rapper.

Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact in June 2023. The plea deal reduced his bond and he was released from custody pending sentencing.

He was originally charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in November 2022 and turned himself in about a week later. The charge was dropped with his plea agreement.

For complicity he faced up to 12 years in prison.

Johnson testified during his brother’s murder trial in September.

“In light of his very, very limited role, in light of the fact that he has no criminal record verified by the (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation), in light of the fact that he testified truthfully at trial… and the defense would recommend to your Honor that he sentence him to six years in prison,” Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman said in court Friday.

What was Jermarcus Johnson accused of?

Prosecutors said Johnson helped one of the other men accused of involvement in the murderhis half-brother, Justin Johnson, hid and escaped after the shooting, and that he was instrumental in paying off funds for Young Dolph’s murder. They also said his role was “much less” than the three other men charged in the conspiracy.

That role included Jermarcus Johnson receiving a phone and a car, although not the one seen in surveillance footage of the shooting, from Justin Johnson, prosecutors said. Jermarcus Johnson reportedly helped his half-brother fool a parole officer during regular parole calls.

Jermarcus Johnson also pleaded guilty to facilitating phone calls between Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, the other alleged shooter.