Anderson Felon Sentenced for Drug, Gun, and Counterfeit Money Charges

Anderson, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael Donyell Robinson, age 35, of Anderson, South Carolina was sentenced in federal court for “Conspiracy to Sell Counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes,” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime,” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).  United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Robinson to 78 months imprisonment. 

Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearings established that on November 17, 2015, a deputy from the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a car driven by Tempest Campbell for a traffic violation.  The officer found that Campbell’s license was expired and the passenger, Michael Robinson, was wanted on warrants out of North Carolina.  When asked why Robinson appeared nervous, Robinson handed the deputy a bag containing $9,760 in counterfeit currency and two plastic bags containing MDMA and methamphetamine. Inside Campbell’s purse, officers located a G.P.C. model 10, .22 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber.  Campbell stated that Robinson had shoved the gun in her purse when they saw the Abbeville patrol car’s blue lights. Robinson had two matching .22 caliber bullets on him and additional cocaine, crack, and a digital scale around his seat. Robinson has prior felony convictions, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.  Further investigation revealed that Campbell and Robinson had previously sold counterfeit to a third party. Robinson has remained in custody since his arrest.  Campbell previously pled guilty to the counterfeiting conspiracy.

The case was investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service, ATF, and the Abbeville Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.

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