Founder of Macon Mafia Gang Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegal Firearm Possession

Alphonzo Clyde, 45, of Macon, was sentenced to the maximum prison term of 180 months for illegally possessing a firearm, following a guilty plea on April 10. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell issued the sentence on October 17, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Clyde’s sentence carries no possibility of parole in the federal system.

“Alphonzo Clyde and the Mafia wreaked havoc in Macon and beyond for years,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This significant sentence should directly result in reduced violence, and it would not have been possible without our strong federal and local law enforcement connection.”

Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office, stated, “Despite a lengthy criminal history, Clyde continued to break the law. This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work thoroughly with our local and federal partners to investigate and remove the leaders of drug trafficking organizations from our streets by whatever means necessary.”

Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis remarked, “Alphonzo Clyde is a notorious criminal whose career of mayhem has spanned nearly thirty years. This investigative and prosecution result is a testament to the importance of local agencies working together with our federal partners. Macon and the entire Middle Georgia community is better off having this gangster off our streets for many years to come.”

Court documents reveal that Clyde is the founder of the Macon Mafia, a criminal street gang operating in Middle Georgia and West Virginia. He was wanted on an outstanding probation violation warrant when he was arrested on October 8, 2023, by officers from the Bibb County and Jones County Sheriff’s Offices. During the arrest, officers discovered a digital scale with a white powdery substance in Clyde’s SUV, along with a marijuana odor emanating from the vehicle. A Taurus G2S 9-millimeter handgun was found in the glovebox. Clyde, having multiple prior felony convictions, was illegally in possession of the firearm.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence while fostering safer neighborhoods. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuting for the Government.