A Greenwich antiques and auction dealer has pleaded guilty in federal court to a money laundering charge tied to the theft of more than $2.1 million from an elderly client and the client’s estate.
David L. Johnson, 66, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
Federal prosecutors said Johnson operated Antique Treasures LLC and Greenwich Auction, both based in Stamford. Court records state that in 2018, an individual appointed Johnson as agent under a power of attorney, executor of the person’s will and successor trustee. Johnson was not a beneficiary of the estate or trust.
After the victim died at age 87 in August 2020, prosecutors said Johnson stole more than $436,000 from one of the victim’s federal tax refund checks. Investigators determined he ultimately stole a total of $2.16 million from the victim and the estate.
According to prosecutors, Johnson has repaid about $1.1 million in restitution.
Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30.
Johnson has remained free on a $250,000 bond since his arrest in December 2025.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
