YORK -- A Chester County man was sentenced this week to more than a decade in prison after he was convicted on drug charges, officials said.
A jury of four men and eight woman convicted Christopher Antangelo Robinson, 24, of 5451 Foxcroft Drive in Fort Lawn on two drug-related charges this week in York, Assistant Solicitor Ashley Anderson said.
Judge John C. Hayes III on Thursday handed down a 20-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and a one-year sentence for possession of marijuana, Anderson said. The one-year sentence will run concurrently with the 20-year sentence, she said.
"Law enforcement is trying to weed out individuals involved in drug activity in York County," Anderson said Friday. "The jury's verdict and Judge Hayes' sentences allowed that to happen in this case."
Robinson is appealing, Assistant Public defender Melissa Inzerillo said.
The charges against Robinson stemmed from an incident that happened June 1 in the parking lot at Market Place Apartments in Rock Hill. Police were patrolling the complex and noticed two people standing near a car while three others sat inside the car, according to reports from the Rock Hill Police Department.
As police approached, Robinson threw down a bag that police said contained nearly 5.3 grams of crack, the report notes. He also had a small bag of marijuana in his pant pocket, according to the report.
During court, officers testified that apartment residents and management complained about drug deals being done in the parking lot, Anderson said. However, Inzerillo said the complaints were not germane to Robinson.
"The officers testified that they saw a group of people standing around in the parking lot," Inzerillo said. "That's why they drove into the apartment complex. There were no complaints about Christopher selling or buying drugs."
During court Thursday, Hayes dismissed a charge -- possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in close proximity of a school -- against Robinson, Inzerillo said.
Robinson, who eventually will be transferred to a state prison, remained in custody Friday night at York County Detention Center.
