Antiques and Art Dealer Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for $2.1 Million Theft Scheme

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID L. JOHNSON, 67, of Greenwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for stealing more than $2 million from an elderly victim and his estate.

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, an individual ("the victim") executed a power of attorney, will, and trust naming Johnson as the victim's agent, executor, and successor trustee, respectively. 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. The investigation revealed that Johnson stole a total of $2,168,719.24 from the victim and his estate.

Judge Shea ordered Johnson to pay $1,025,056.36 in restitution. Johnson had previously returned approximately $1.1 in stolen funds.

On July 21, 2026, Johnson pleaded guilty to money laundering.

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

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Spears.