Earnest Key Johnson learned his punishment last Thursday (November 21). That’s after he was found guilty in August of aggravated assault of a public servant.
A news release from the Brazos County district attorney’s office says the officer was off work for six months following surgery for their injury.
The officer was injured while trying to take Johnson into custody for possessing drug paraphernalia.
One of the prosecutors told WTAW News Johnson underwent at least six psychiatric evaluations before the trial and punishment hearing, which were both before a judge and not a jury.
Johnson, who denied any wrongdoing, has the right to appeal the conviction and punishment.
This will be the fourth time Johnson is going to prison, following prior convictions for burglary of a home with the intent to commit sexual assault, burglary of a building, and failure to comply with sex offender registration.
The punishment is what was requested by prosecutors. The sentencing range was from 25 years to life.
News release from the Brazos County district attorney’s office:
On November 21, 2024, Judge John Brick of the 272nd District Court sentenced Earnest Johnson to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant.
On September 13, 2018, an officer with the Bryan Police Department responded to downtown Bryan after concerned citizens reported a person in the roadway. The officer made contact with Johnson outside of the LaSalle Hotel and observed drug paraphernalia on Johnson’s person.
When the officer tried to detain Johnson for further investigation, Johnson fled through the courtyard of the LaSalle Hotel. However, Johnson tripped and fell, and when the officer caught up to him, Johnson immediately turned to engage the officer. A longtime resident of downtown Bryan witnessed the interaction and called 911 when the defendant began to attack the officer.
Another member of the community who had been on a date came to the officer’s aid after he heard the commotion and saw Johnson on top of the officer. Together, they were able to hold Johnson at the scene until backup arrived. It ultimately took more than five officers to take Johnson into custody. A search of Johnson’s person revealed a small amount of crack cocaine in his sock.
The officer suffered a dislocated shoulder from the assault. The injury required surgery to repair, and the officer was unable to return to duty for six months.
The defendant waived his right to a jury trial, and the case was instead heard by Judge John Brick. During trial, the Court heard testimony from the community members who called 911 and came to the officer’s aid, who both described seeing Johnson striking the officer. The State also presented testimony from the ER doctor who treated the officer and the officer himself. Johnson testified in his own defense and denied any wrongdoing. On August 27, 2024, Judge John Brick found the defendant guilty on all charges.
At the punishment hearing, the State offered evidence that the defendant had been to prison on three prior occasions for Burglary of a Building, Burglary of a Habitation with intent to commit Sexual Assault, and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration. These prior prison trips increased the defendant’s range of punishment to no less than 25 years in prison.
Statement from assistant district attorneys Ryan Golden and Stephanie Younis: “Members of this community stepped in to protect and serve when an injured public servant needed help. It is our honor to stand with them in prosecuting this case.”