Woodlawn, Virginia Couple Convicted of Harboring a Federal Fugitive
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA -- Following a two-day jury trial in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, a husband and wife from Woodlawn, Virginia were convicted of charges related to harboring a man wanted for a federal narcotics offense.
Ricky David Robinson, 54, and Cynthia Lee Robinson, 50, both of Woodlawn, Va., were indicted on July 9, 2012, on one count of harboring a federal fugitive and one count of conspiracy to harbor a federal fugitive. Earlier today, a jury sitting in U.S. District Court in Abingdon found them each guilty of both charges.
“Harboring a fugitive is a crime against the integrity of the criminal justice system," United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “Those who help others hide from law enforcement and evade justice will be vigorously pursued by this office. “
According to evidence presented at trial by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Ricky and Cynthia Robinsons’ son was charged in February 2012 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine.
In April 2012, the Robinsons’ were contacted by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and made aware that their son was wanted by federal authorities. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that between April 24, 2012, and July 5, 2012, Ricky and Cynthia Robinson maintained contact with their son, allowed him to stay at their home in Carroll County, and provided him with money, food, and transportation in an effort to prevent his apprehension by law enforcement.
The defendants each face a potential maximum sentence of up to ten years imprisonment and $500,000.00 in fines.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Galax Police Department, Twin County Drug Task Force, Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
