Plea hearing Friday for Joplin man accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting female store employees in restrooms

 A plea hearing is scheduled 11 a.m. Friday in Jasper County Circuit Court for a Joplin man charged with kidnapping, sodomy and two counts of assault.

Lawrence Johnson, 38, allegedly attacked two women at Joplin stores, one on October 25, 2016 and January 2, 2017.

The first attack occurred when the woman was the only one working at the store. Johnson allegedly lured her into the bathroom claiming there was a problem, forced her to remove her clothes. After she was forced into a sexual act, Johnson allegedly took her phone and the business cell phone with him.








The probable cause affidavit indicates Johnson used the same method of operation for the second attack but the woman was able to thwart him before any sesual act took place. Others were working in the store at the time.

Joplin Police arresed Johnson shortly after the second attack as he was entering a third business, the Kum N Go at 4th and St. Louis.

Th hearing is being held before Judge David Mouton.