Pinson ‘Guilty,’ Robinson ‘Not Guilty’

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — A jury has found former South Carolina State University trustee Jonathan Pinson guilty on 29 of 45 counts including racketeering in his corruption trial. The jury deliberated more than three days before reaching the verdict. Pinson, along with co-defendant, college friend and business partner, Eric Robinson, was accused of using his position at the university for personal gain as well as skimming money from a low-income housing project in Columbia and diaper manufacturer in Marion. Pinson’s business partner Eric Robinson was found not-guilty on all seven counts he faced. His father, Wyman Robinson, commented on what he called the U. S. government’s ’embarrassing’ treatment of his son, saying, “I can’t believe they went after someone so hard like that who didn’t do anything wrong. This government, that I support and served in the military for, was a policeman for 32 years, and they did this. It’s terrible.” While Robinson was cleared of all charges, Pinson’s attorneys will prepare for post-trial motions before sentencing, which could occur within two to three months.