Bakersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Destroying Evidence in a Federal Investigation

FRESNO, Calif. — Jerome Roberson, 33, of Bakersfield, pleaded guilty today to destroying evidence in a federal investigation, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, on Dec. 2, 2019, Roberson was facilitating prostitution in the Bakersfield area using his cellphone and by other means. At the time, federal agents were investigating Roberson due to his involvement in the Country Boy Crip gang in Bakersfield. Roberson smashed his cellphone in an effort to conceal evidence when he was confronted by federal agents. On Dec. 17, 2019, Roberson was charged with using a cellular device to facilitate interstate prostitution and obstruction of justice.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman is prosecuting the case.

Roberson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Oct. 16. Roberson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.