Robinson Retrial Ends With A Guilty Verdict

Accused drug trafficker Russell Robinson was found guilty on all counts by a federal jury Thursday. The verdict was delivered at the end of a three-day trial held on St. Thomas.

Jurors delivered guilty verdicts on a two-count indictment charging drug trafficking conspiracy and possession of 210 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. The drugs — valued at $2.1 million — were recovered in Hull Bay by police and federal agents at the end of a cross-island pursuit of Robinson and two others on Nov. 29, 2021.

A witness testifying at trial told the court the substance found in seven recovered duffle bags tested positive for the presence of cocaine.

Robinson’s second trial came after the court declared a mistrial in his June 2023 jury trial alongside co-defendant Trevor Stephen. Stephen was convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute after he declined to present a defense or testify at that time.

A third individual seen on surveillance images shown as evidence was never apprehended. On the final day of trial Robinson testified that he was forced to transport the drugs after the third person entered his pickup truck and threatened him with a firearm.