A Florida inmate allegedly tried to use code words relayed in a social media message to put a hit out on a fellow gang member, say authorities.
Jebea Johnson, 22, was already in custody at a jail in Flagler County, Florida when he was arrested Friday on charges of solicitation to commit first-degree murder – gang related and unlawful use of a two-way communications device, according to the sheriff's office.
It's unclear if he entered a plea to the charges.
Johnson is accused of making a series of jail phone calls to family members instructing them to "relay a message through social media to place a hit on a victim who had been trying to leave the gang," said authorities. "Detectives analyzed the calls and confirmed that Johnson had used multiple terms used by criminal street gangs and had ordered the victim to be killed" for wanting out of the Kutt Throat Committee gang.
Family members alleged they were unaware of the "coded gang language" when relaying the message.
Johnson had been jailed since June on charges of attempted armed robbery, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, burglary, and a slew of other charges for attacking a convenience store clerk.
He will continue to be held on no bond.
"This guy thought he could order a hit from the Green Roof Inn without us catching him," Sheriff Rick Staly said. "Not only did we know the lingo he was using, but we have the conversation recorded, so this dirtbag will be staying right where he is for a very long time and wins the award for dumbest criminal of the week."
