Macon Pawn Shop Burglary Lands Southwest Georgia Man in Federal Prison for Nine Years

Rontavious Jamal Jackson, 34, of Cordele, Georgia, was sentenced to 108 months (nine years) in federal prison for his role in a 2023 pawn shop burglary in Macon, during which he stole 62 firearms. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal handed down the sentence on February 27, 2025. Following his prison term, Jackson will serve three years of supervised release.

Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on August 13, 2024. With no parole in the federal system, Jackson will serve his full sentence.

The theft occurred at Howard’s Pawn & Jewelry in Macon on April 5, 2023, when Jackson and an accomplice broke into the store, stealing 62 firearms. Surveillance footage captured the burglary, showing the suspects taking the guns in garbage bags after smashing a hole in the store’s exterior. Law enforcement traced the stolen firearms to Jackson’s residence, recovering 32 of the weapons.

“This case demonstrates the collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement partners to bring criminal gun traffickers to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Law enforcement at every level is committed to preventing illegal firearms from getting into the hands of criminals.”

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka stated, “We take this crime very seriously. There were 62 firearms on the street, with the strong potential of being sold to or used by other criminals. Stealing firearms is a serious offense which results in significant federal prison time for all those responsible.”

“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,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.

“I am incredibly proud of our agency’s efforts and the successful collaboration between our local and federal partners. These stolen weapons could have been used to take innocent lives. Our commitment to protecting our community remains unwavering, and this case is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.

The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Community Supervision (DCS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the government.