October 25, 2006

Internet Crimes Against Children Offender Sentenced

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the sentencing, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Robert Arthur Robinson, on counts of Possession of Child Pornography, Using a Computer to Solicit a Child (computer pornography and child exploitation) and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Robinson, 35, of 12th Street in Panama City, entered pleas to the three charges and was sentenced to five years in prison by Circuit Court Judge Glenn L. Hess.

Robinson was arrested on December 2, 2005, after a month-long investigation conducted by the State Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit. An investigator posed as a young boy and communicated in chat rooms with Robinson, who used the screen name "Rpnmcty777." A meeting was set-up. Robinson did not make contact with the undercover agent but his vehicle did come to the agreed upon meeting place.

A search warrant was served on Robinson’s home and four computers were seized. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an examination on those computers and the hard drives revealed images which supported the charge of possession of child pornography.

Court records show that Robinson had a 1995 conviction for lewd or lascivious act upon a child. He was sentenced to three and one-half years in prison, followed by five years probation for that offense.

"This is a good result for the people of this community," said Meadows. "This man is a potential danger to our children.

"This case, like others that have been made and successfully prosecuted by our ICAC unit, demonstrates that we need to be vigilant in protecting our children. There are many in the world who would prey upon young people.

"Parents: please take care to know who your children are talking to over the internet."

Robinson will have to serve at least 85 per cent of his prison sentence. He was designated a sexual predator and may, upon release from prison, be subject to civil commitment as a sexually violent predator (Jimmy Ryce Act).

The State will seek forfeiture of the seized computers.

Please call Joe Grammer, 850-872-4473, with any questions.