DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the outcome of a criminal case where a man assaulted and robbed a 93-year-old military veteran. Samuel Harvey, 62, admitted guilt for charges stemming from the July 25, 2022, incident, which took place at a CVS Pharmacy on Candler Road. Harvey pleaded guilty to Abuse of an Elder Person, Robbery by Force, and Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers.
As detailed in the investigation, DeKalb County Police responded to a 2:15 p.m. robbery report at the pharmacy. Upon arrival, officers discovered Harvey fleeing the scene and subsequently apprehended him. According to a CVS clerk, the victim, Arthur Johnson, was a regular at the store. On the day of the attack, Johnson had briefly visited the store, then returned to his vehicle where he fell asleep. He awoke to Harvey choking him.
An employee who witnessed the assault challenged Harvey, who falsely claimed to assist Johnson. Harvey proceeded to throw Johnson to the ground and fled with the victim's phone, wallet, and keys. Johnson initially refused medical attention but was hospitalized two weeks later, succumbing to his injuries four months post-attack.
Judge Stacey Hydrick sentenced Harvey to a total of 20 years — 15 years of confinement followed by 5 years on probation. Given Harvey's criminal background, parole is not an option. Prosecutors from the Crimes Against Elder Persons and Adults with Disabilities Unit, including Deputy Chief Franklin Engram and Senior Assistant Laura Alford, spearheaded the case. Victim Advocate Tina Williamson and Investigators Charles Maupin, along with former DeKalb County detectives Rawlings and Winston, also contributed to the proceedings.