Macon Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years After Violent Jail Attacks While Awaiting Trial

MACON, Ga. – A Macon man who was given a second chance under Georgia’s first offender law will spend the next two decades in prison after prosecutors said he used his time in jail to carry out violent attacks on fellow inmates.

Dequavia Benard Pollard pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026, to violating the terms of his probation based on new felony charges he received while being held at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. Following the plea, Pollard was revoked to the Georgia Department of Corrections with a maximum possible release date of October 20, 2040.

“This 20-year sentence holds him accountable for his actions and protects our community from further harm,” said Anita Howard, who noted that Pollard repeatedly committed new crimes while in custody.

Pollard had been serving as a first offender probationer, a status that allows defendants to avoid a conviction if they successfully complete probation. Under Georgia law, however, a violation allows the court to resentence the defendant up to the maximum term for the original offense. Prosecutors asked the court to revoke Pollard’s first offender status, adjudicate him guilty, and impose the full sentence. He will receive credit for time already served.

While detained at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center, Pollard was charged with aggravated assault and possession of contraband after multiple violent incidents behind bars.

According to prosecutors, surveillance video from October 5, 2024, showed Pollard assaulting two inmates minutes apart during the early morning hours. Both victims suffered puncture wounds from a shank, a homemade stabbing weapon that investigators said was visible in Pollard’s possession during the attacks.

In a separate incident on April 2, 2025, an inmate reported being stabbed in the chest and arm by Pollard. Jail staff reviewed surveillance footage showing Pollard lunging toward the victim, who retreated into his cell. A subsequent search of the housing unit led to the discovery of two contraband weapons.

At the time of the jail assaults, Pollard was being held on charges related to two Macon homicides from 2023 and 2024. Those cases remain active and are still being prosecuted.

Prosecutors said the sentence reflects the seriousness of Pollard’s conduct and the risks posed to other inmates and jail staff when violence continues behind bars.