The internet has a funny way of making things permanent, even when they’re confusing. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately or checking out the latest influencer drama, you’ve probably seen the name Evan Johnson popping up in some pretty dark contexts. People are asking the same question over and over: did Evan Johnson go to jail?
The short answer is yes. But the long answer? It’s a mess of different legal cases, high-profile influencer drama, and a bit of mistaken identity that makes the whole thing hard to track.
The TikTok Case: Kayla Malec and Evan Johnson
Most people searching for this today aren't looking for a corporate lawyer or a local politician. They're looking for the social media influencer.
In April 2025, the internet exploded when popular TikToker Kayla Malec posted a series of deeply personal videos. She alleged that she had been in an "extremely abusive relationship" for months. While she didn't name names immediately, she eventually confirmed it was her ex-boyfriend, Evan Johnson.
Here is what actually happened in court:
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- The Arrest: Evan Johnson was booked in Sumner County, Tennessee, on April 7, 2025. The charges weren't just about the allegations—he was picked up for domestic assault and a violation of probation (connected to a previous DUI).
- The Verdict: On May 7, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty. It wasn't a long, drawn-out trial like you see on TV; it was a plea deal.
- The Sentence: He was sentenced to one and a half years in prison.
Kayla Malec posted a video outside the courthouse celebrating the win, lip-syncing to a song about going to jail. It was a huge moment for her followers. But honestly, even after the sentencing, things got weirder.
The "Collect Call" Controversy
You’d think going to jail would mean the end of the drama. Not for these two. Just weeks after he started his sentence, Evan Johnson reportedly called into a podcast called The Sit Down with Chase Brown—collect-calling from jail.
In the interview, he tried to downplay the situation. He even claimed some of the videos Malec posted were "AI-generated." Malec, naturally, hit back on social media, calling it a "fantasy land." It’s one of those rare cases where the legal battle ended, but the "he-said, she-said" continued from behind bars.
Why People Get Confused: The "Other" Evan Johnson
If you Google "did Evan Johnson go to jail," you might see some terrifying headlines about RICO conspiracies and 25-year sentences.
That is a different person.
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There is a federal case involving a man named Evan Johnson from Detroit who was a high-ranking member of the Bounty Hunter Bloods gang. That Evan Johnson was sentenced to 300 months (25 years) for RICO conspiracy and firearm charges back in 2018.
If you see articles talking about 20-year sentences or gang violence, you’re looking at a completely different legal history. The influencer Evan Johnson is currently serving a much shorter sentence in Tennessee.
Breaking Down the Sentence
It’s easy to get lost in the "years" and "months" talk. To keep it simple, the influencer Evan Johnson’s current legal status looks like this:
- Domestic Assault (Tennessee): This was the primary charge that led to his 2025 incarceration.
- Probation Violation: Because he was already on probation for a DUI, the new assault charge triggered an immediate "fail" on his previous legal terms.
- Potential Future Charges: Malec has publicly stated that she is pursuing felony charges in other states, specifically California and Hawaii, where she alleges other incidents occurred.
Essentially, he is in jail right now, but his legal troubles might not be over when he gets out.
What This Means for Influencer Accountability
This case actually changed how a lot of people view "TikTok drama." Usually, these things end with an apology video and a two-week break from posting. This time, there was a paper trail. There were mugshots. There was a sentencing hearing.
For the millions of people following Kayla Malec, the fact that Evan Johnson went to jail wasn't just gossip—it was a rare moment where "cancel culture" shifted into "legal accountability."
It also served as a massive warning about the dangers of parasocial relationships. People felt like they knew this couple. They watched their "cute" videos for months while, behind the scenes, a domestic violence case was building. It’s a sobering reminder that the 15-second clips we see on our phones rarely tell the whole story.
Real-World Next Steps
If you are following this case or similar situations, here are the most important things to keep in mind:
- Check the Jurisdiction: Legal records are public. If you want to verify a sentence, look for the specific county clerk’s office (in this case, Sumner County, TN).
- Differentiate the Names: Always cross-reference the age and location. The Detroit RICO case involves an Evan Johnson born in a different decade than the influencer.
- Support Resources: If the details of this case are hitting close to home, remember that the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is available 24/7 for anyone needing support or advice on how to navigate an abusive situation safely.
The story of Evan Johnson is still technically unfolding as he serves his time and potential new cases in California loom. For now, the answer to the big question remains a definitive "yes"—he is serving his time.