13-time convicted felon charged with 8 new felonies after traffic stop

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Demariro Terrell Robinson, 36, was arrested yesterday and charged with maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of selling dangerous drugs, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a convenience store, possession of marijuana, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, committing a felony with a firearm, resisting arrest, and driving without a valid license (3rd or subsequent violation).

Two Gainesville Police Department officers had been conducting surveillance at the Aloha Liquor Store at 930 E. University Avenue and had reportedly seen multiple people approaching Robinson’s car, then leaving after a short period of time; they reported that the activity was consistent with narcotics sales.

When Robinson left at about 8:35 p.m., the officers conducted a traffic stop at 1300 NE 3rd Avenue after noting that Robinson had driven for about 2 blocks with no headlights. Robinson reportedly got out of the vehicle immediately and refused to get back in his vehicle when ordered to. Robinson allegedly advanced toward the officers, yelling at them, so the officers attempted to place him in handcuffs.

However, Robinson resisted and pulled away; Robinson and the officers fell to the ground, where he allegedly continued to resist.

Once he was detained, an officer approached his vehicle and reportedly smelled marijuana and saw smoked “blunts” in the center console. A probable cause search of the vehicle reportedly produced 2.5 grams of marijuana, three bags of pills that tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 34.7 grams, 5.27 grams of crack cocaine, 5.8 grams of powdered cocaine, and a loaded 9mm pistol that was found under the seat, within reach of the driver.

Robinson has 13 felony convictions and 9 misdemeanor convictions, including five convictions for driving without a valid license. He is currently on probation for driving without a valid license in Columbia County. He has served four state prison terms in Florida and has also served at least one state prison term in another state. Robinson had an active warrant for failure to pay child support.

Judge Thomas Jaworski set bail at $270,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.