A man from Cordele, Crisp County, has entered a guilty plea this week for possession of firearms as a convicted felon, following his act of stealing 62 guns from a Macon pawn shop last year. The defendant, identified as 33-year-old Rontavious Jamal Jackson, appeared before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal, acknowledging his guilt and now faces up to 15 years imprisonment, according to the Department of Justice.
On April 5, 2023, Jackson and an accomplice were caught on camera breaking into Howard’s Pawn & Jewelry and stealing 62 firearms. The guns were later found at Jackson's home after a tip to the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, raising concerns they could have been used in street violence.
"Stolen firearms fuel crime and violence," U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary stated in the Department of Justice. The collaborative efforts of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and DCS played a pivotal role in the investigation, showcasing the significant risks involved with such criminal enterprises dealing in illegal firearms possession and distribution.
"We can hope this case sends a clear message to convicted felons of the serious consequences of the possession of firearms. I am grateful for the relationship between the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and our Federal partners to continue to remove these potentially dangerous individuals from our streets," Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis mentioned. The statement by the Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock in a Department of Justice article corroborated this by highlighting their "unwavering" commitment to community safety, further noting the significant collaborative effort that led to the apprehension of Jackson.
The case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which aims at curbing violent crime and gun violence. The plea sets a precedent for the persistent national challenge of illegal firearm circulation and is a call to action for the community and law enforcement to stand united against the proliferation of weaponry meant to cause harm. A sentencing date for Jackson is yet to be determined by the Court, where no parole will be available as per the federal system.
