Columbia man sentenced to more than 8 years in relation to drugs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Department of Justice says a Columbia man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison.

Paubon Ojo, 27, of Columbia, was sentenced for possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Evidence found during an investigation revealed that on May 27, 2023, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department responded to a store on Decker Blvd after receiving a call about a man shoplifting.

Investigators later determined the alleged shoplifter to be Paubon Ojo.

When officers arrived to the store, Ojo attempted to leave and was detained.

Officers search Ojo and found a stolen firearm in his pocket and 447.3 grams of marijuana and a scale in his backpack, says the DOJ.

Officials say Ojo has prior convictions for shoplifting, burglary, grand larceny, and strong-arm robbery.

A United States district judge sentenced Ojo to 100 months’ imprisonment which is to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.