Anson Robinson IV, 18, of Fulton, pleaded guilty last week to charges of possession of a controlled substance (more than 35 grams of marijuana) with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon.
He appeared before Judge Kevin Crane in circuit court Friday.
Robinson admitted he, along with two other men, possessed more than 80 grams of marijuana, with the intent to distribute the drug. Robinson also admitted he unlawfully possessed an AR-15 rifle when he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his previous conviction for burglary. Court officials said he also admitted the firearm was in close proximity to the drugs, thus constituting the offense of unlawful use of a weapon.
Robinson was arrested for the offense after a deputy sheriff made contact with him and the other men last September in the Carrington Pits Recreation Area. The deputy was patrolling the area, heard gunshots and responded to find Robinson and the other men firing the AR-15 rifle.
A search of the vehicle used by the men led to the discovery of marijuana, a digital scale and plastic baggies, along with more than $800 in cash.
The judge sentenced Robinson to seven years in prison for the drug charge, seven years in prison for unlawfully possessing the AR-15 rifle and four years in prison for the unlawful use of a weapon offense. Robinson was also sentenced to five years in prison for burglary in the second degree.
Robinson had been on probation for that offense, admitted violating probation, and the judge revoked it.
The judge also ordered that all of the prison sentences be served concurrently with each other for a total of seven years in prison. In both cases, the judge recommended Robinson complete a substance abuse treatment program within the Department of Corrections before being considered for release.
Both cases were investigated by the Callaway County Sheriff's Office.