Greenwich Art Dealer Pleads Guilty In $2.1 Million Theft Scheme: Feds

GREENWICH, CT — A Greenwich art and antiques dealer has pleaded guilty in connection with the embezzlement of more than $2 million from an elderly victim and his estate, according to an announcement from David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

David L. Johnson, 66, of Greenwich, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven on Tuesday.

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Johnson pleaded guilty to money laundering, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30.

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 executed a power of attorney, will, and trust naming Johnson as their agent, executor, and successor trustee, respectively.

Johnson was not a beneficiary of the victim’s estate or trust, Sullivan noted.

The victim died at the age of 87 in August 2020. After their 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 over $2.1 million from the victim and his estate, Sullivan said.

To date, Johnson has paid approximately $1.1 million in restitution.

Johnson has been released on a $250,000 bond since his arrest on Dec. 18, 2025.