Jessica Johnson
Leonardtown, MD. — St. Mary’s County Circuit Court Judge Michael Stamm Oct. 2 sentenced Jessica Johnson, 25, of Mechanicsville to 55 years in the Department of Corrections for her involvement in the armed robbery of a 96-year-old woman.
The charges that Johnson faced included burglary-first degree, conspiracy/burglary-first degree, theft, $10,000-$100,000, and conspire-theft,$10,000- to under $100,000.
“Really the mastermind behind this crime is Jessica [Johnson]. I think what is important to remember in this case is that Johnson was trusted to take care of the 96-year-old victim. She chose this person. Who else knew about a home at a dead end in Town Creek?” said Julie White, deputy state’s attorney.
White called the two victims in the case to speak in front of the courtroom. Both victims had a hard time retelling the events that occurred on the night that they were robbed at gunpoint.
“I awoke to two dark figures at 2 a.m., these two people taped my hands, feet, mouth, and eyes. I was basically hog tied, and told to lay on the bed. All I could think about were my two kids [ages 1 and 4], who might never get to see their mom again. I prayed for forgiveness for my sins to God,” said one of the victims, who is the nurse of the 96-year-old victim.
The mood in the courtroom was very emotional and reached its height when the 96-year-old victim was given the opportunity to address the courtroom.
“My feet were bound, I honestly thought this was my last moments of life. I prayed to God, take me, but not in this way. I just really want to thank everyone that has given me support [court, neighbors, family], and to let them know there is a bright side to all of this,” said the 96-year-old victim.
Judge Stamm had a few comments regarding the emotional element that this brought to the courtroom.
“This is an emotional situation, we have lost a generation [20-35] that have voluntarily begun using drugs and become addicted. These drugs make good people become bad, you [Johnson] will not see important moments in your child’s life. Regardless if this is your first offense, a 96 year-old woman had to come to the courthouse in the rain due to your reckless behavior,” said Stamm.
Johnson was visibly shaken by what was unfolding in the courtroom when both victims were given time to address the courtroom. Johnson had a few comments that she made to the entire courtroom about her actions.
“There is absolutely nothing that I can do to take away the pain I have caused. I know what I have done has hurt so many and I deserve whatever time I receive. I was sick that person was not the true me. I will spend the rest of my life saying I am sorry what I have done,” said Johnson.
Contact Charles Seifert at c.seifert@thebaynet.com