1st trial held in Sumter courtroom since March

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Face coverings became a new requirement in the Sumter County Third Judicial Circuit's courtroom dress code after changes were made amid the coronavirus pandemic.

After six months of trials being on hold, the Third Judicial Circuit reopened its doors for its first jury trial on Tuesday with restrictions and guidelines in place. However, the courtrooms were different.

What once presented a neutral, open environment is now decorated with plexiglass at almost every desk and blue tape creating blockades and seat markings for the audience and juror box.

Even the public seating was bare and limited. There could only be five attendees behind the defendant's seat and another five behind the prosecutor.

"It's challenging to keep everybody 6 feet apart, but I think my staff did a great job getting prepared to do so," said Clerk of Court Jamie Campbell.

The court first planned to hold a jury trial for a murder case, but it quickly resorted to the next case on the list after it was deemed continued.

Tuesday's jury trial case was for defendant Marcus Tyrell Calvin Robinson, 34, who was arrested on Nov. 25, 2014, and charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 16, and again with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor between the ages of 11-14, according to public records.

Solicitor Attorney Jason Corbett said on March 1, 2013, and dates proceeding, Robinson acted against a victim in inappropriate sexual conduct and touching. He later did so again with another victim.

Judge R. Ferrell Cothran was presented with an offer for which the defendant decided to plead guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor rather than a second-degree offense.

"Often times in criminal cases when you're in trial, there are considerations of lesser included offenses," Corbett said.

When this happens, Corbett said a lesser included offense means it has a similar but not identical element. In this case, a second-degree offense required sexual battery, whereas a third-degree offense required a lewd or lascivious act.

Corbett said the two victims, who were present in the courtroom, were consulted concerning the plea before the trial.

Robinson's Attorney Garryl Lynard Deas said after waiting about seven years for a trial, his client felt he was in a position to move forward and plead guilty.

Robinson's father was present for the trial to support his son and spoke before the judge, saying his son has learned from the mistakes that were made and plans to move forward from this as a better person.

Robinson did plead guilty before the judge and gave up a trial before a jury and agreed when the judge said Robinson would have to register as a sexual offender.

Cothran ruled a six-year sentence in prison suspended to three years of probation for Robinson.

According to Deas, Robinson is the father of an 8-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. He attended local schools and colleges before these convictions.

Although a jury trial was not conducted, Campbell said they were prepared and ready to get back to their normal operations for that trial.

"It's different, but we're glad we're back holding court," Campbell said, "and I'm looking forward to the next one."