DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A disgraced prosecutor has a chance of redemption if the Alabama Supreme Court tosses his convictions on charges related to steamy social media conversations with defendants he would have prosecuted and others involved in cases to which he was assigned.

In September 2024, Mark David Johnson received a split sentence, with a mandatory provision requiring him to serve 30 months in a community corrections program. Records show he has been released.

His appeal alleged specially appointed Circuit Judge Burt Smithart violated Johnson’s “constitutional right to due process” by dismissing a juror and Johnson’s attorneys argue the judge should have granted a mistrial.

Dustin Fowler, one of the attorneys representing Johnson, said it is extremely rare for the state’s highest court to review a case such as Johnson’s; it usually focuses on death penalty cases.

The Alabama Attorney General’s Office will oppose the effort to overturn Johnson’s conviction on charges that he solicited favors from women.

“He put a for-sale sign on the district attorney’s office,” Assistant Attorney General Kyle Beckman said at his sentencing.

Johnson’s career began to unravel in early 2022 when habitual drug offender Jamie Connolly alerted court officials to a series of messages she exchanged with Johnson via social media.

Facebook messages obtained by WTVY News4 detailed weeks of flirting and sexually charged banter.

“I can’t wait to get you in my arms,” Johnson, who was married, wrote to Jamie Connolly, known online as Jazmine Connolly, who was awaiting trial in a Houston County courtroom where Johnson was the assigned prosecutor.

Chit-chat between Johnson and Connolly quickly escalated into sexual innuendo, with each expressing a desire to tryst, though they apparently never met in person.

The banter continued for weeks until drug agents charged Connolly after a traffic stop that landed her in jail.

A state investigation revealed other women who claimed Johnson broke ethics laws in his relationship with them, including one who arranged a prostitute for Johnson.

Watch: Testimony claims Johnson paid $200 for escort

After spending several months on paid leave, Johnson lost his job and, tollowing his convictions, his law license.

Alabama Supreme Court justices will hear arguments March 5 in Birmingham, with a ruling expected later in the year.

Even if they overturn his convictions, prosecutors could seek a retrial.

It would be up to the Alabama Bar Association whether to restore Johnson’s law license.

Download the WTVY News4 app to get alerts and stories the moment they are published. Available for FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2026 WTVY. All rights reserved.