Marion County, South Carolina – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Mullins resident Joshua Antwain Johnson, 30. Among the many accusations, Johnson is facing a Burglary 1st Degree charge, Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime, and five counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition. Johnson was arrested without incident by the Mullins Police Department on May 29, 2024. His bond will be decided at a later date by the Circuit Court.
Authorities believe Johnson became involved in a criminal spree with Jaremy Smith, the man who is accused of murdering and kidnapping local paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Smith is said to have abducted and killed Machado-Fore, a devoted wife and mother. Johnson did not take part in Machado-Fore’s death, but he did later join Smith and the two of them started a string of illicit operations in Marion County.
Johnson and Smith traveled the nation after their first crimes and arrived in Texas. While traveling, Smith left Johnson at a convenience store in Texas. Smith travelled on to New Mexico, where he is currently facing charges for killing Justin Hare, a member of the New Mexico State Police. Smith is now in custody in New Mexico, awaiting trial for his alleged crimes.
The successful arrest of Johnson and the ongoing investigation into this complex case have been made possible by the concerted efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. The cooperation between local, state, and federal partners has been crucial. Assisting agencies include the Mullins Police Department, Dillon County Sheriff’s Office, Dillon County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the United States Marshals Service, New Mexico State Police, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
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