COLUMBIA, S.C. – Juawn Robertson, 39, of Winnsboro, is heading to federal prison for more than three years. Robertson was sentenced for the simple act of possessing a firearm – an act illegal for him given his extensive criminal history. The sentence serves as a stark reminder that those with a past can’t simply arm themselves and operate outside the law.
The case unfolded on May 30, 2021, when a Cayce Department of Public Safety officer attempted a routine traffic stop. Robertson, however, had other plans. He floored it, leading officers on a brief chase that ended with his vehicle stalling in a local restaurant parking lot. Rather than face the music, Robertson bailed, sprinting away from his car.
Officers quickly apprehended Robertson, but the story didn’t end there. A review of the dashcam footage revealed Robertson had tossed a bag during his desperate flight. That bag contained a loaded firearm. It wasn’t just the gun itself that landed Robertson in trouble, but his already lengthy rap sheet. Court records show prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and a 2nd-degree assault and battery charge – all disqualifying offenses when it comes to owning a firearm.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon didn’t mince words, sentencing Robertson to 40 months imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. For those unfamiliar with the federal system, there’s no parole. Robertson will serve the full 40 months. The judge’s decision sends a clear message: gun crime, particularly by repeat offenders, will be met with serious consequences.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative designed to bring together law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve to combat violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice recently strengthened PSN, emphasizing community trust, support for violence prevention organizations, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. It’s a program aimed at more than just arrests; it’s about making neighborhoods safer.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cayce Department of Public Safety jointly investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and subsequent sentence. Robertson’s case is a grim example of how past choices can continue to haunt, ultimately leading to a lengthy stay behind bars.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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