Felon and Accomplice Face Federal Charges in Bibb County Jailbreak
A Macon man and a Central Georgia woman are now facing federal charges for their involvement in a jailbreak that occurred in Bibb County on October 16. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on November 14, charges 37-year-old Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, also known as “Whoop” or “Malixe,” with one count of escape from custody. Additionally, 30-year-old Janecia Green, of Macon, is charged with one count of aiding and abetting Barnwell’s escape from custody and one count of assisting escape of a person committed to custody. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The indictment reveals that Barnwell was held in the Bibb County Jail on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service after being convicted by a federal jury on October 2 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as possession with intent to distribute various drugs. These convictions could result in a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine, with a sentencing date yet to be scheduled.
According to the indictment, Barnwell managed to escape the custody of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of Janecia Green.
Green had her initial appearance in Macon on November 15 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle of the U.S. Court for the Middle District of Georgia. She was held without bond and is set to have a detention hearing on November 21 to determine future bond status.
Barnwell had his initial appearance in Augusta, Georgia, on November 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian Epps of the U.S. Court for the Southern District of Georgia and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The USMS will transport Barnwell back to the Middle District of Georgia for further court proceedings.
The case is currently under investigation by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case.
