Columbia Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bringing Gun to Plasma Donation Center

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donovan Jackson, 32, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on May 18, 2023, employees of a plasma donation center on Decker Blvd. called 911 because Jackson arrived to donate plasma with a firearm inside the front pocket of his sweatshirt. Deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the center, detained Jackson, and seized the firearm from his clothing.

Jackson has a prior conviction for furnishing contraband to an inmate which prevents him from possessing a firearm under federal law. He was on probation for this offense at the time of the incident. Jackson also participated in the May 2022 Ceasefire program hosted by the City of Columbia Police Department. The Ceasefire program identifies prior offenders who are at risk of future firearms offenses and introduces them to community resources such as substance abuse treatment and employment services. During participation in the program, law enforcement emphasizes the likelihood of future state and federal prosecution if participants, like Jackson, reoffend.

United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Jackson to 33 total months imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case.

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