Donovan Jackson, a 32-year-old resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on May 18, 2023, when employees at a plasma donation center on Decker Boulevard called authorities after noticing that Jackson had brought a firearm inside the front pocket of his sweatshirt while attempting to donate plasma. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene, detained Jackson, and confiscated the weapon.
Jackson was previously convicted for furnishing contraband to an inmate. This conviction makes it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms. At the time of this latest offense, he was on probation for his earlier conviction.
In addition to his prior criminal history, Jackson had participated in the City of Columbia Police Department’s Ceasefire program in May 2022. The program aims to identify prior offenders who are considered at risk for future firearms offenses and connects them with community resources such as substance abuse treatment and employment services. During participation in Ceasefire, law enforcement stresses the potential consequences—including state and federal prosecution—if participants reoffend.
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 for parole.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case.
