Video: Sheriff Says Kidnap, Burglary Suspect Should Have Never Been Out Of Jail

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Bond is set at$2,000,000 for a repeat offender, accused of leaving a court ordered rehab center, holding an elderly man at knifepoint, before stealing his car and other valuables.

Forty eight year old David Todd Johnson was arrested Friday, driving the victim’s stolen car in Burnsville.

Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson says Johnson had cut off his ankle bracelet, when he left “God’s House of Hope” Center in Nettleton.

The sheriff says authorities were not notified Johnson had left, either by officials at the rehab center, or the MDOC.

Sheriff Johnson says the suspect has several felony convictions and should never have been able to commit his last rash of crimes.

“This is the second ankle bracelet he’s cut off, he is still out, he was indicted and convicted as a habitual offender, which should have had him in prison serving day for day, which that hadn’t happened.  He violated probation I don’t know how many times and something has got to change where we feel safer in the community, I know it cost a lot of money but somebody owes this victim an explanation of why this guy’s out,” Sheriff Johnson said.

Johnson is charged with the following felony offenses; armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary of a dwelling.  Officials  at God’s House of Hope say they are not a jail, and no one can be forced to stay there.  Director Amy Shook says authorities were notified Friday morning that Mr. Johnson had left.   She points out there are 32 people currently going through the six month faith based program.