Judge fixes serial robber up with life in prison

Mathis Winkler

Monday, March 25, 2002 | 9:22 a.m.

Convicted casino robber Donnell Johnson may end up spending the rest of his life in prison, but that didn't stop him from trying to set up a date after his sentencing on Friday.

"I believe in love at first sight," the 27-year-old told District Judge John McGroarty before asking whether McGroarty's bailiff could put him in touch with a woman who had attended his trial.

The judge told Johnson that he could discuss that with prison officials.

A few minutes earlier just before McGroarty sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years for a July 2000 armed robbery at Treasure Island, Johnson likened himself to the Sept. 11 terrorists and expressed remorse for a criminal career in which he committed crimes in 17 states.

"I realized that I myself brought terror to people who innocently came to work," said Johnson, his hands restrained in orange mitts because of disciplinary problems during his trial.

"I was no different than these terrorists," he said. "I am remorseful for the people I brought terror upon."

Johnson, who represented himself during the trial, also told McGroarty that he had signed an affidavit confessing to 40 other crimes in order to speed up cases pending against him in several other states.

"I believe that in repentance, I must confess," said Johnson, who engaged in a friendly chat with courtroom guards before the sentencing.

"I have no fear whatsoever (of the sentence)," he said.

McGroarty acknowledged Johnson's eloquence, but said this did not change the effect Johnson's crimes had on his victims.

He followed the prosecution's recommendation to sentence Johnson as a habitual criminal, which mandates much longer jail terms.

"Judge, we save habitual criminal treatment for the worst of the worst, and what we have seen here is someone who just will not stop,"said Deputy District Attorney Phil Brown, who prosecuted Johnson.

Johnson's brother Reginald is already serving 130 years for robbing Treasure Island on three occasions. He is also serving two no-parole life terms for throwing another inmate at the Clark County Detention Center over a balcony, almost killing him.