WASHINGTON – Anthony Johnson, 42, of Washington, D.C., has been convicted by a jury for first-degree cruelty to children and significant bodily injury assault of a minor. U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves announced the verdict, which was delivered on January 12, 2024, after a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2024, by The Honorable Erik Christian.
The government presented evidence showing that on the evening of April 5, 2022, Johnson entered the home of the 12-year-old victim. The child was at home with his siblings, grandmother, and uncle. Johnson, who knew the victim’s mother, initiated a physical altercation with the minor on the first floor of the house. As the victim attempted to escape upstairs, Johnson pulled him down the stairs and punched him in the face, resulting in the loss of three teeth.
The victim’s minor sisters were also present during the incident and witnessed the attack. One of them called 911, leading to the victim being taken to the hospital for his injuries.