HILLSBORO, Ore.- On July 15, 2021, Josiah Augustine Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery and unlawful use of a weapon, involving the use of a firearm. On July 26, 2021, Judge Oscar Garcia sentenced the defendant to 70 months in prison. Senior Deputy District Attorney Allison Brown prosecuted the defendant. 

On September 14, 2020 the defendant requested a cab ride from Gresham, Oregon to Beaverton, Oregon. When the driver arrived, he noticed the defendant acting strangely and asked to be paid for the ride up front. The defendant pulled out cash and the driver immediately noticed a counterfeit bill. The driver then asked the defendant to give him his cell phone as collateral until the ride was complete. 

At one point during the ride, Mr. Johnson asked the victim if he had “personal protection” on him. The driver confirmed he did not have a gun. Once the ride concluded, the defendant tried to pay the driver with the counterfeit bill he spotted earlier. The driver refused to take payment and told the defendant he would not return his cell phone until he was paid properly. 

The defendant then pulled a gun and pointed it at the victim as he made threats and demanded his phone back. Fearing for his life, the victim attempted to grab the gun and the two struggled over the firearm. At some point the weapon discharged, striking the defendant in the buttocks. The victim then secured the weapon while witnesses called law enforcement.

Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. They learned the firearm was stolen. The defendant later admitted the gun was illegal.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to commend the victim for their actions and participation in the court process. This office also thanks the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this case. 

Mr. Johnson will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.