Repeat Felon Sentenced to Over 13 Years in Prison for Violent Subway Robbery in Albany

ALBANY, NY — A repeat felon has been sentenced to more than a decade in state prison following a violent armed robbery at a Subway restaurant in Albany. The sentencing brings closure to an incident that traumatized local workers and led to a rapid police response.

Justin Johnson, 39, of Albany, was sentenced to 13½ years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. The sentence was handed down by the Albany County Court after Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery, a class B violent felony. Due to his history, Johnson was sentenced as a second violent felony offender, having accumulated three previous felony convictions.

The charges stem from an incident on January 11, 2026, at the Subway restaurant located at 579 New Scotland Avenue. According to prosecutors, Johnson entered the establishment brandishing a heavy metal pipe. He raised the pipe over his head in a threatening manner, demanding cash from two employees behind the counter. After stealing approximately $300 from the register, Johnson fled the scene on foot.

Albany Police detectives identified Johnson using high-quality surveillance footage from the restaurant and witness accounts. He was arrested on January 14, just three days after the crime. "This sentence reflects the severity of the defendant's actions and our commitment to keeping commercial corridors safe from repeat violent offenders," the District Attorney stated during the sentencing hearing.