Columbia man convicted on firearm, crack charges after assaulting a woman at a laundromat in October

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– On Friday, acting U.S. Attorney M. Rhett DeHart says a Columbia man was convicted of  firearm and drug charges following a three day trial. Officials say 39-year-old Eric Jahann Nixon was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of crack cocaine.

The the evening of October 16, 2020, investigators say the Columbia Police Department responded to Wash City laundromat for reports of someone brandishing a firearm and assaulting a 65-year-old female attendant. Once on the scene, police say witnesses provided a description of the individual as well as a cell phone video taken of him during the incident. Police say they canvassed the area and found an individual matching the description, authorities say a pat down search revealed loaded Hi-Point .380 caliber handgun in the man’s waistband and a pill bottle which contained a small bag with three grams of crack cocaine in it as well as a razor blade. Authorities say the man was identified as Eric Nixon.

According to officials, Nixon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by three years of court ordered supervision for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a maximum of two years for the crack charge.

Authorities say Nixon’s sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2021.