Johnson fined for peddling marijuana outside business

The owner of a Jefferson City barber shop and event venue charged in November 2011 with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute has been ordered to pay a $100 fine.

According to court documents, Thomas R. Johnson, 38, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The charge had been a felony.

Authorities said Johnson sold marijuana and cocaine while working at his business, TJ's Barber Shop, 1127 E. Dunklin St., on or around Nov. 8, 2011. TJ's Barbershop still has a current Jefferson City business license that lists Johnson as the owner.

Johnson also owned Club Motivation, 2425 Industrial Drive, at the time. The business has not been in operation since 2013.

A Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement shows Johnson would receive calls from drug purchasers.

Following those phone calls, Johnson would exit his barber shop and obtain drugs from his vehicle then sell the substance before re-entering his business.

While conducting surveillance, a detective observed Johnson exit the shop, open the rear passenger door of his vehicle and appear to obtain an item from the seat of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, another male exited the barber shop and stood next to the door.

The detective's report states, "After Johnson likely obtained an item from the rear passenger seat, I observed him conduct a suspected narcotics transaction with the unidentified male. He contacted the male standing at the door of his business. I observed Johnson hand the male an unknown item. In return, the male handed Johnson money."

The report said Johnson counted the money and re-entered the barber shop while the unidentified male left the area on foot.

Following this transaction, the detective contacted the police K-9 unit, which contacted Johnson about the possible narcotics violation. When asked for consent to search his vehicle, Johnson denied it.

The K-9 officer then walked with his dog around Johnson's vehicle, and while going around the rear passenger door, the dog indicated the presence of narcotics there.

This was the same location the detective had observed Johnson appear to retrieve an item from earlier.

While awaiting a tow company to take the vehicle, Johnson closed his business and left the area.

Once the vehicle was opened, a Tupperware container was seized with marijuana packaged for sale.

The marijuana was in four separate bags, each weighing approximately 3-4 grams on the rear passenger seat where the detective observed Johnson to obtain an item during the suspected narcotics transaction.

Johnson was later arrested and was released after posting a $25,000 bond.

Johnson's criminal history indicated he was a persistent drug offender with four prior felony convictions for distribution of controlled substances.

His guilty plea to the misdemeanor charge should not affect his ability to retain a business license, as it is a personal charge rather than one concerning the operation of his business, according to city officials.