USA v. YANEZ-PINEDA, et al

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
ATHENS DIVISION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, :
: CRIM. NO. 3:25-CR-10
v. :
:
GREGORY ROBINSON, :
:
Defendant. :
___________________________________ :
ORDER AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OF SEIZED FUNDS FOR
COURT-APPOINTED COUNSEL
This matter comes before the Court on the Government’s motion seeking
authorization to use funds seized from Defendant Gregory Robinson, which are
currently held by the United States Marshals Service, to pay for Defendant Robinson’s
court-appointed counsel.
Defendant Robinson was arrested on February 27, 2025, at his residence in
Athens, Georgia. During the arrest, officers seized $8,397.00 in U.S. currency which they
believed to be proceeds from illegal narcotics sales. On May 14, 2025, Robinson was
indicted on multiple drug and firearm offenses. Doc. 1. The Court found Robinson
indigent and appointed attorney Leslie Spornberger Jones to represent him. Doc. 106.
Robinson’s trial began on June 29, 2026, and concluded on July 8, 2026. Attorney
Jones represented him skillfully, and Robinson was acquitted of two of the seven
charges. Doc. 493.
On July 13, 2026, the United States filed a Motion for an Order Authorizing the
Distribution of Seized Funds for Payment and Compensation of Court-Appointed
Case 3:25-cr-00010-TES-CHW Document 560 Filed 10/02/26 Page 1 of 2

Counsel. Doc. 489. Defendant filed an opposition. Doc. 516. The Court heard arguments
from both parties on October 1, 2026. After reviewing the filings, arguments, and the
authority set forth in 18 U.S.C.A. § 3006A(f), the Court hereby finds that the
Government’s motion is GRANTED.
The seized funds—$8,397.00—are held by the United States Marshals Service.
Because the Court now finds that Defendant has the financial means to pay a portion of
his representation costs, the Court determines that the interests of justice are best served
by releasing these funds to the U.S. Treasury to offset attorney’s fees and expenses
incurred in providing court-appointed counsel.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the United States Marshal Service disburse
$8,397.00 from the seized funds to the Administrative Office of the United States Courts
for credit to the Defender Services Appropriation as reimbursement for attorney’s fees
and expenses related to Defendant Gregory Robinson’s court-appointed
representation.1
SO ORDERED, this ___ day of October, 2026.
___________________________________
TILMAN E. SELF, III, JUDGE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
PREPARED BY:
/s/ Michael Morrison
Michael Morrison
Assistant U.S. Attorney
1 The Clerk of Court will provide coordinating information to the United States
Marshals Service to facilitate the funds transfer.
2nd
s/Tilman E. Self, III
Case 3:25-cr-00010-TES-CHW Document 560 Filed 10/02/26 Page 2 of 2