Defendant: Coty Highsmith (DOB 06/15/87)

Feb. 5, 2019 -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced Coty Highsmith of Yonkers will serve 23 years to life in state prison for robbing and beating another man in November 2017 on Highland Avenue, Yonkers.

He was convicted Oct. 18, 2018 following a jury trial before Westchester County Court Judge Anne Minihan. Specifically, the jury found Highsmith guilty of Robbery in the Second Degree, a C violent felony, and Assault in the Second Degree, a D violent felony. The judge sentenced him to 23 years to life for the robbery conviction and 20 years to life for the assault. The sentences will run concurrently (at the same time).

Background
On Nov. 28, 2017, Highsmith followed a man in his 60s into an apartment building on Highland Avenue just before 1 p.m. Inside the building, Highsmith choked the victim from behind, tackled him to the ground, and repeatedly punched him in the face, causing broken bones. He stole the victim’s wallet with $300 cash and fled the building.

Highsmith was identified from surveillance video. Yonkers Police executed multiple search warrants and recovered clothing he wore during the robbery.

Assistant District Attorney Daniel Flecha, Deputy Bureau Chief in the Superior Court Trial Division, prosecuted the case.

Coty Highsmith

Coty Highsmith

 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.

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