JARVIS JOHNSON: I'M SHAKING THEM DOWN FOR JOBS!

IF THE FBI WANTS TO COME TALK TO ME THEN TELL THEM TO COME TALK TO ME - NOW, I'M TAKING MY KIDS TO FIESTA TEXAS!

In rare form Thursday night Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson was defiant. He tells the Insite he's fed up with the allegations that he's been shaking down people, contractors, and companies in his council district for money or personal gain.

Johnson was elected to the seat in District B in 2006 and now the 38 year old husband and father of two young children says he's being attacked by haters. The Insite called Johnson Thursday to ask if he is in fact under investigation by the FBI, the Houston Police Department, or the Harris County District Attorney's office for soliciting bribes in exchange for supporting city contracts. Johnson tells The Insite he has not been contacted by any investigatory agency. He says, "they've been saying that for 3 or 4 years and it's old news."

There are even allegations Johnson allegedly tried to shakedown another elected official for jobs. The 3 term council member denied that as well. Johnson says if he shakes down anyone or anything it will be those businesses who come into his community not expecting to give back. He says District B has one of the highest unemployment rates in the city. Johnson says if demanding companies hire his constituents when they do business with the city so be it. He says, "I demand these businesses support the district with jobs...if that's a shake down then that's a shake down."

Just this year Johnson made a run for the 18th Congressional District against Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and lost. He says he believes the rumors are also rooted in politics. The Councilman says people are attempting to soil his name if he decides to run for the same position in the future. He says, "if the FBI wants to come talk to me, then come talk to me."

Johnson, the family man, says he has two kids ages 9 and 12. He asked if I believed he would jeopardize not seeing one minute of their future with foolishness like asking companies for kickbacks. I didn't answer because I wanted him to answer. He said absolutely not. Johnson says, "if someone comes forward with some solid proof about who I shook down then I will take them seriously."

Johnson, who insisted I print his side of the story, then told the Insite he had to go because he was taking his children to Fiesta Texas. The end!

Note: The Insite will follow up with calls to the FBI, DA, and HPD but if there is any type of investigation their typical line will be 'we can neither confirm nor deny.'