Defendant: Charles Johnson (DOB 01/10/79)

May 10, 2018 -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced today the arrest and arraignment of Charles Johnson of Mount Vernon on Sex Abuse in the First Degree, a felony, for luring a teenaged woman into his home by using a dog-walking service app on the pretense he was looking for a dog sitter. Once in his home, the defendant solicited sex and forcibly groped the victim. (Johnson was arraigned Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Mount Vernon City Court.)

The complaint alleges on May 3, 2018, Johnson, using the name “Chuck J.,” communicated with the victim via Rover.com, a popular pet-care hiring app. Through messages, he lured the teenaged victim to his home. Once there, he trapped her behind a locked door, offered her money for sex acts, and exposed himself. When she refused, he forcibly groped her. The victim was able to escape and immediately called police. There was no dog in the house.

Johnson was arrested by Mount Vernon Police May 8, 2018.

Note:  Prosecutors are looking into additional instances over the past three years in Mount Vernon and Yonkers where they allege the same defendant used flyers posted near schools and Craigslist ads to lure teens and women to his home to perform “jobs” for him in exchange for money. In some instances, he posted flyers advertising for a helper to videotape him during his workouts, being his “cheerleader” while he worked out, or in another instance, advertised for an “amateur painter” to paint the interior of his home. The defendant used a variety of names in his ads. No charges have been filed in these earlier incidents. But anyone with knowledge of similar activity are encouraged to call their local police.

Johnson was remanded to jail due to three prior felony convictions. His next scheduled court appearance is May 24, 2018.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michelle Lopez, Bureau Chief of the District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Bureau.

Charles Johnson

Charles Johnson

In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

_______________

Media contact:
media@westchesterda.net

(914) 995-3586