Sentencing will be at a later date. Roberts explained how Pynes testified that she would have done anything to make Mark Johnson happy because he was her prosecutor. He explained that Etheredge asked why Johnson would ask Pynes, a lesbian, for women, Roberts said because Johnson knew Pynes ran in a circle with other criminals and drug addicts and would be able to easily find a woman.
He wanted a sexual picture. He asked the jury to find Johnson guilty on all six counts. Etheredge explained that if a judge dismissed a warrant, an order would have to be filed.
Etheredge detailed that there is no evidence that shows Johnson used his official position to obtain anything for personal gain. She may not have taken the stand but came as a victim in a case where the defendant pleaded guilty. He detailed the course of communication between them over five years. She still owes the same amount. Etheredge told the jury this is a case of impropriety but not a criminal matter. Etheredge asked the jury to find Johnson not guilty on all charges. Attorney Kyle Beckman began by saying that everyone is responsible for their own choices.
Beckman went through the charges. Counts cover soliciting anything for a corrupt purpose. He explained that the law covers that no public official, which the state explained Johnson was, may solicit anything, whether or not it has any value. He then went on to go through each charge as they relate to each of the women the state claimed Johnson solicited. He began by talking about Charlotte Pynes and they belive evidence and testimony show how Johnson asked Pynes for women.
He talked about his girl problems. He detailed that the charge states Johnson solicited pictures and companionship from her. Beckman showed messages between Coleman and Johnson, detailing that she sent photos to him and that she testified Johnson helped her with her warrants.
