Woman gets 35 years for beating, robbing elderly women

Tawanda Johnson pleads for mercy

SAN ANTONIO – During Christmas week last year, Tawanda Johnson beat and robbed three elderly women, ages 71, 73 and 97.

Last month Johnson, 25, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery charges and, on Wednesday, Judge Sid Harle went along with a plea bargain and sentenced her to 35 years in prison.

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According to prosecutors, Johnson used her young daughter to gain access to the victims home by saying the child was selling candy for a school fundraiser.

Once inside the home, Johnson would beat and rob the women.

"I know what I did was wrong and I apologize," Johnson told Harle before she was sentenced.

After sentencing Johnson to the 35-year term, he told her she got an extremely fair deal.

"If we had 12 people in the box right now and they were making this decision, I have absolutely no doubt that you would be receiving a life-sentence," Harle told her.

Johnson must serve half of the sentence before she is eligible for parole.

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About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.