BEATRICE – A former Chicago, Illinois man who said he couldn’t complete probation has been sentenced to a four-to-eight-year Nebraska prison term.


Dexter Robinson was sentenced Wednesday, by Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner, for attempted possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Robinson, who earlier pleaded no contest to the charge, said he eventually wants to return to Chicago where his family lives.


"I don't think that probation would work for me. It's not because of criminal activity, or anything like that. Through the process of this I lost everything. I need time to really just go and get myself all the way right and together, as far as a job. I've been in Nebraska for seventeen years and I stayed employed. I had my own place, and everything else. I think I make bad decisions, at times. I'm not a bad person, I just make bad decisions."


The length of term was recommended by both the state and defense. Judge Schreiner said the 51-year-old Robinson carries a 24-year criminal record with him.


"It isn't about the places you live not being good for you. It's about you not being good for the places you live. You tell me that you're not a bad guy. People love to be judged by their intentions. Unfortunately, society judges them, by their actions."


The judge said Robinson’s record included a three-year-prison-term in Douglas County, Nebraska on a firearm possession conviction.  Robinson will receive credit off his prison term for 86 days spent in jail.