An ex-Alabama prosecutor has been convicted of using his position to solicit and receive sexual favors for himself from defendants in criminal cases.

Former Houston County Assistant District Attorney Mark Johnson, 55, was convicted Thursday on six ethics charges, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Friday.

Johnson was initially arrested in 2022.

Marshall said throughout the four-day trial, evidence showed that Johnson used his position as a county prosecutor to solicit and receive sexual favors for himself from three defendants.

In one situation, Johnson solicited an escort from a defendant facing life in prison for a drug trafficking charge. Johnson later solicited that same defendant for another girl who had just been released from prison.

In addition, Marshall said, Johnson solicited and received a sexual photo, and in exchange, helped a female defendant stay out of court-ordered drug rehabilitation so that he could continue to communicate with her in Houston County.

In another instance, Johnson solicited sexual photos and sexual contact, then helped a female defendant avoid active warrants and fine deadlines that resulted from convictions over which he was the prosecutor.

He was taken into custody following his conviction.

“This is a clear case of someone habitually using their position to exploit vulnerable women for his own gratification,” Marshall said. “Mr. Johnson violated the public trust by taking advantage of the community he swore to serve and protect, and he now must be held accountable for his crimes.”

Johnson faces possible sentences of two to 20 years for each conviction. A sentencing date has not yet been announced.