Middletown man pleads guilty in robbery case

On Friday, March 8, David Johnson, 47, of Middletown pled guilty in Orange County Court to robbery in the second degree, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced. The district attorney expects that Johnson will be sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced on May 7.

According to court documents, on March 12, 2023, Johnson reportedly demanded money from a man who was entering a grocery store in the city of Middletown. After the man gave Johnson money, he walked away but Johnson allegedly continued to to pursue him.

“Johnson then grabbed the man by the throat and knocked him to the ground,” the DA’s office alleged. “On the ground, Johnson repeatedly punched the victim in the face until he was unconscious. Johnson then took the man’s wallet from his pocket and fled to a nearby apartment building.”

The police reportedly witnessed part of the incident via a street camera, responded and located Johnson “in a common area closet” in the apartment. After arresting Johnson, police recovered the victim’s wallet inside the closet. At the plea proceedings, Johnson admitted to forcibly stealing the man’s property and causing the man physical injury.

Hoovler thanked the Middletown police for their investigation and the arrest of the defendant. “This brazen violence, committed in broad daylight, underscores the need to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions,” said Hoovler. “Thankfully, the rapid response of police in this case ensured not only that the victim received immediate medical attention, but that the defendant was promptly located and taken into custody. The safety of our communities relies on proactive policing, coupled with the dedication of my office to bring these offenders to justice.”

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Ryan Greenbaum.