Cordele Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing 62 Firearms from Macon Pawn Shop

Rontavious Jamal Jackson, a 33-year-old resident of Cordele, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after breaking into a Macon pawn shop in 2023 and stealing 62 firearms. Jackson entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on August 13. He now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be set by the Court. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.

The crime took place on April 5, 2023, when Jackson and an accomplice were captured on surveillance footage breaking into Howard’s Pawn & Jewelry in Macon, a federally licensed firearms dealer, at 3:00 a.m. The pair collected 62 firearms and placed them into garbage bags after smashing a large hole from outside the store. Pieces of concrete blocks were found scattered on the floor inside the pawn shop.

A week later, on April 12, investigators from the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office received tips from three sources indicating that Jackson had stolen weapons at his residence in Cordele. A search warrant was executed, leading to the recovery of 32 firearms, which matched the serial numbers of the stolen guns. Additionally, nine gun price tags, assorted ammunition, firearm parts, accessories, and ten magazines were found. The remaining 30 firearms are still unaccounted for. Jackson, who has a prior felony conviction, is prohibited by law from possessing firearms.

U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary emphasized the serious nature of the crime, stating, “Stolen firearms fuel crime and violence.” He reiterated the commitment to preventing illegal firearms from reaching criminals and holding gun traffickers accountable.

ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka expressed concern over the potential danger posed by the stolen firearms, noting, “There were 62 firearms on the street, with the strong potential of being sold to or used by other criminals.”

Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis highlighted the collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies, stating, “We can hope this case sends a clear message to convicted felons of the serious consequences of the possession of firearms.”

Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock praised the successful collaboration that led to the recovery of some of the stolen weapons, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in protecting the community.

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 is prosecuting the case for the government.