An antiques and art dealer in Connecticut has been indicted in connection with an embezzlement scheme involving someone’s estate.
A federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment on Wednesday charging 66-year-old David L. Johnson of Greenwich with one count of money laundering and interstate transport of stolen property and three counts of engaging in monetary transactions derived from specific unlawful activity, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
Federal officials said Johnson operated an antiques business known as Antique Treasures LLC, and an auction business known as Greenwich Auction. Both were based in Stamford.
In October 2018, an individual who was identified only by authorities as “the victim” executed a power of attorney, will, and trust naming Johnson as their agent, executor and successor trustee, respectively, authorities said.
According to officials, Johnson was not a beneficiary of the victim’s estate or trust. The victim was 87 years old when they died in August 2020.
After the death, Johnson allegedly stole more than $436,000 from one of the victim’s federal tax refund checks, more than $217,000 from an investment account, and more than $308,000 from the proceeds of the sale of artworks, all of which belonged to the victim’s estate, officials said.
Johnson pleaded not guilty to all charges during a hearing in federal court in Bridgeport on Friday. He is free on a $250,000 bond.
According to authorities, the charges he faces expose him to as many as 60 years in prison.