State v. Robinson

Alex Robinson appeals his conviction for trafficking cocaine, arguing the trial court erred in refusing to suppress evidence seized pursuant to a search warrant. We find the search warrant invalid because the affidavit supporting it gave the issuing judge no information as to the confidential informant’s reliability. We reverse.

I. Facts and Procedural History

In August 2008, a confidential informant told Sergeant Kent Donald of the Horry County Police Department’s narcotics and vice section she could purchase drugs from Robinson’s residence. Sergeant Donald and a federal law enforcement agent…