An individual with a long history of criminal activity has been convicted of a series of terrifying robberies across New York City and New Jersey. The suspect, a 51-year-old Staten Island resident named Tony Clanton, was found guilty in a Brooklyn Federal Court on five federal robbery and related charges. These charges could result in a sentence ranging from a minimum of 25 years to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Clanton’s criminal behavior traces back to 1997, when he attempted to rob an undercover Special Deputy U.S. Marshal during a staged gun purchase. Although his gun malfunctioned at that time, he was sentenced to about three years in prison. He later served an 11-year sentence for a series of home invasion robberies in 2007 and 2008, during which he impersonated a DEA agent using a fake badge and counterfeit warrants.
After his release, Clanton resumed his criminal activities with a fresh wave of robberies in 2023. He collaborated with another ex-convict, Lawrence Dotson, who had previously served more than 26 years for murder. Dotson cooperated with federal authorities and testified against Clanton during the trial.
The spree began on January 20, 2023, when Clanton targeted Vernon Fields, a colleague in the construction industry, on Staten Island. Disguised as a painter, Dotson confronted Fields and his 10-year-old son, brandishing a loaded revolver. While Dotson assaulted Fields, Clanton attempted to enter his apartment. However, they fled when they realized Fields was on the phone, firing a shot as they retreated.
In another incident on June 3, 2023, Clanton orchestrated a robbery at a smoke shop in Staten Island’s Annadale neighborhood, securing $4,000 in cash and a stash of marijuana. The shop owner was restrained with zip-ties during the heist.
Later that month, Clanton and Dotson feigned a car sale involving a Mercedes Benz, intending to rob a prospective buyer at his Staten Island home. They attempted another robbery on June 27, 2023, wearing fake “FBI” attire while targeting a jewelry store owned by a couple in Edison, New Jersey.
On July 12, 2023, Clanton participated in an armed robbery of a Brooklyn ice cream shop owner, who was held at gunpoint after withdrawing $6,000 from a bank.
During the trial, Clanton’s defense attorney, Susan Kellman, sought to discredit Dotson’s testimony, alleging that he was an opportunistic liar. She questioned the decision to allow Dotson to retain the Mercedes used in the crimes. Kellman declined further comment following the verdict.
Tony Clanton is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, potentially marking the end of his criminal endeavors.