Donovan Jackson, a 32-year-old Columbia resident, has been sentenced to over two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. The sentencing follows an incident on May 18, 2023, when employees at a plasma donation center on Decker Boulevard called authorities after noticing Jackson had a gun in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call, detained Jackson, and confiscated the weapon.
Jackson was previously convicted of furnishing contraband to an inmate, making it illegal for him to possess firearms under federal law. At the time of this latest offense, he was still on probation for his prior conviction.
In May 2022, Jackson took part in the Ceasefire program organized by the City of Columbia Police Department. The initiative targets individuals with previous offenses who are considered at risk for future firearms violations and connects them with resources such as substance abuse treatment and employment services. Law enforcement officials involved in Ceasefire stress that participants may face state or federal prosecution if they commit new offenses.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Jackson to 33 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. Federal sentences do not allow parole.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted Jackson.
