Serial robber Walter Johnson sentenced in kidnapping, robberies
RALEIGH -- A man who left Raleigh and Wake County neighborhoods on edge for weeks with a series of 2013 kidnappings and robberies was in court for sentencing Wednesday.
Walter Kevin Johnson, 30, pleaded guilty in January to 24 felony charges including nine counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of first-degree kidnapping and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
His sentencing was put on hold while he cooperated with investigators to clear up outstanding cases.
In court Wednesday, Johnson's victims described terrifying hold-ups in which they said they were held at gunpoint - in some cases told to undress - and feared they would be raped.
One woman said she has never recovered from the experience.
"He cannot take back what has happened to me," she said. "I no longer felt safe in my apartment complex."
The woman said she ended up breaking her lease so she could move and purchased a new car because she thought the old one could be identified by Johnson.
Another victim said Johnson took away her security and she will no longer walk to her car unescorted. She has also purchased a gun that she now carries with her at all times.
"I think he should spend the rest of his life behind bars," said the woman. "Because we will take this experience to our graves."
Another victim said Johnson wore a creepy skull mask that she still remembers - and the whole experience "caused me to have insomnia and terrible dreams for the last year."
Another victim said she was so scared to be in the same courtroom with Johnson that she broke down in tears and had trouble reading her statement.
She said she awoke to find Johnson in her bedroom while her husband was out of town and her four children were sleeping in nearby bedrooms. She said she handed over jewelry and other valuables before she was forced to write down personal information including bank accounts and her children's names.
"He told me I had to do this or he would come back and hurt me and my family," said the woman. "He robbed me and my family of my safety."
The woman now says her family has a guard dog, expensive security system, and she is getting a permit to carry a concealed gun.
"I want to know he cannot come back to hurt me and my family," the woman continued.
After hearing from the victims, Johnson rose to address Superior Court Judge Elaine Bushfan.
"I take full responsibility for the crimes I have committed," said Johnson and told the judge he was motivated by financial desperation.
While saying he pleaded guilty to bring closure for his victims, he asked for mercy, saying he has a little boy that he "can't give up on."
He apologized to his victims, saying he knows he "took their peace and safety" and is "truly sorry."
After hearing all the arguments, Judge Bushfan came back with a 21-30 year sentence with credit for time served.
