Robin Michelle Smith, 41, of Syracuse, has been sentenced to a total of five years in Kosciusko County Jail for drug dealing and identity deception, according to court records.
Smith pleaded guilty to dealing a narcotic drug, a Level 5 felony, and identity deception, a Level 6 felony. A separate narcotic possession charge was dismissed under the plea agreement.
Judge Matthew Buehler sentenced Smith to three years in jail for the narcotics charge, allowing her to participate in the county’s Work Release Program. She received a two-year sentence for identity deception, fully suspended on probation. Both sentences are to be served consecutively, including in connection with a previous drug possession case. Smith also received credit for 22 days already served, plus additional good-time credit.
The identity deception charge stemmed from Smith using another person’s identification to donate plasma and receive payment. Prosecutor Brad Voelz emphasized the seriousness of the offense, saying, “Her blood was poisonous. She lied about her identity and tainted our blood supply.”
Smith admitted to long-term substance use but expressed a desire to change her life. “I’m ready to change and not be a statistic,” she told the court. Judge Buehler acknowledged her history of substance abuse, emphasizing the challenge of overcoming addiction and the importance of demonstrating genuine commitment to reform.
Court documents show that in February 2025, Smith sold 0.38 grams of fentanyl during a controlled purchase by the NET 43 Drug Task Force. In July 2025, she admitted to using another woman’s ID and Social Security information to donate plasma at a clinic, receiving $50 in payment.
Family members attended the sentencing in support, and Smith has been approved for work release while serving her sentence locally.