Sheriff: Inmate tried to plot deputy’s murder from jail

LAGRANGE, Ga. (AP) — A Georgia inmate attempted to solicit the murder of a deputy from behind bars, authorities said.

Jonathan Taylor Lawrence, 28, was rearrested Wednesday and charged with felony criminal attempt murder, news outlets reported. Lawrence was being held at the Troup County jail on a charge of threatening a witness in official proceedings.

Troup County Sheriff’s Sgt. Stewart Smith said investigators learned that Lawrence was looking for someone willing to kill a county deputy. An investigation was launched on Aug. 20.

During the investigation, Lawrence gave an undercover officer a plan with “substantial steps” on how to kill the deputy. A motive for the solicitation wasn’t immediately released.

For safety reasons, the deputy’s name won’t be released.

It’s unclear whether Lawrence had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.