A Macon woman involved in aiding the escape of a convicted felon from Bibb County LEC last year has been sentenced to federal prison. Janecia Green, 31, will face 30 months behind bars followed by three years of supervised release, as per the sentencing by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal this past Wednesday, October 16. This came as a significant increase over the standard recommendation for her sentencing guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary condemned the actions of Green, asserting, "This sentencing illustrates the serious consequences facing those who help criminals evade justice." He further lamented the danger imposed on the community due to Green's involvement in the jailbreak, as expressed in a statement. Along with others, Green assisted Johnifer Barnwell, a convicted felon, in escaping custody in 2023.
According to court documents and statements made during the court proceedings, Green purchased tools on Oct. 13, 2023, which were then smuggled into the jail facilitating the escape on Oct. 16. In response to the sentencing, FBI Atlanta's Macon office Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs expressed relief that no one was injured during the escape, adding, "The FBI hopes the sentence sends a strong message to others that those who try to aid prisoners continue to break the law will be brought to justice."
In November 2023, after an extensive manhunt, Barnwell was apprehended by the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office in Augusta, Georgia. Upon capture, he was allegedly armed and in possession of significant quantities of drugs, "Barnwell was captured in Augusta, Georgia, on Nov. 12, 2023, by FBI and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies," reported a spokesperson. The extensive investigation following the jailbreak was a collaboration of efforts from the FBI, USMS, and the Bibb County Sheriff's Office.
