Greenwich Art Dealer Sentenced For $2.1 Million Theft Scheme: U.S. Attorney

GREENWICH, CT — A Greenwich antiques and art dealer was sentenced Friday to 5.5 years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for stealing more than $2 million from an elderly victim and his estate, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut David X. Sullivan.

David L. Johnson, 67, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson operated an antiques business, Antique Treasures LLC, and an auction business, Greenwich Auction, both based in Stamford.

In approximately October 2018, the victim in this case executed a power of attorney, will, and trust naming Johnson as their agent, executor, and successor trustee, Sullivan said in a news release. Johnson was not a beneficiary of the victim’s estate or trust.

The victim died at the age of 87 in August 2020. After the victim's death, Johnson stole more than $436,000 from one of the victim’s federal tax refund checks, Sullivan said. An investigation found that Johnson stole a total of $2,168,719 from the victim and his estate.

Johnson was ordered to pay $1,025,056 in restitution. Johnson had previously returned approximately $1.1 million in stolen funds.

On July 21, Johnson pleaded guilty to money laundering.

Johnson, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison on Dec. 14.