Sikeston man convicted

Friday, July 12, 2002

CHARLESTON - A Mississippi County jury convicted a Sikeston man Thursday on drug-related charges.

Ronnie Carl Robinson, 35, was found guilty of second degree trafficking crack cocaine and possession of more than 5 grams of marijuana with the intent to distribute from events which occurred on June 29, 1999 at 328 Sunset in Sikeston.

Scott County Deputy Bobby Sullivan said he had received information that Robinson had about 14 pounds of marijuana and 5-9 ounces of crack cocaine at the residence. When he went to the home, Sullivan spoke with Robinson's girlfriend, who was renting the property. He said he recovered two duffel bags containing 12.9 pounds of marijuana, 129.8 grams of crack cocaine, two boxes of plastic sandwich bags, plastic gloves and two digital scales. The approximate street value was between $17,000 to more than $20,000.

When officers informed Robinson that he was under arrest, the suspect ran, scaled an eight-foot chain link fence with double barbed wire at the top and hid in a nearby pile of railroad ties.

Robinson's girlfriend testified during the trial that Robinson frequently visited her and their three children at the home, where he conducted drug deals, stored drugs, packaged drugs and counted money from the sale of drugs.

Although Robinson said he did not want to let his girlfriend take the blame for his actions, she is a co-defendant in the case and is facing similar charges.

"It is a repetitive sad tale how Robinson has destroyed himself and his family because he chose to sell drugs," said Scott County Assistant Prosecutor Paul R. Boyd.

Because of his prior and persistent felony offender status, Robinson will be sentenced by a judge. He had pled or been found guilty of five felony offenses in Arkansas involving burglary and stealing charges on three separate dates. He faces 10 to 30 years in prison on the present felonies.

Boyd said the state will request that Robinson's sentence be served consecutively because of his felony offender status. Judge T. Lynn Brown has set sentencing for 1 p.m. Aug. 21 in Charleston.

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