Armed Felon Sentenced to 20 Years After Breaking Into Macon Family’s Home With Two Guns

MACON, Ga. – A 33-year-old convicted felon has been sentenced to 20 years after prosecutors say he broke into a Macon family’s home armed with two guns, demanded money and drugs, and was later found asleep inside the residence.

Jarvis Edwards, 33, pleaded guilty Aug. 4 to Burglary in the First Degree and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

Edwards entered his guilty plea before jury selection was scheduled to begin. He was sentenced to 20 years, with 10 years to serve in prison followed by 10 years of probation.

The charges stemmed from a home invasion on the morning of July 22, 2023.

At approximately 8 a.m., Edwards forced his way through the rear door of a family’s Macon home while armed with two firearms, prosecutors said.

Once inside, Edwards demanded money and drugs from the family.

During the confrontation, the family’s then-18-year-old daughter managed to escape from the house while carrying one of Edwards’ guns. She then called 911 for help.

Police Find Suspect Asleep Inside Home

Responding officers entered the residence and found Edwards asleep on a bed, according to prosecutors.

He was taken into custody without incident. Authorities said Edwards showed clear signs of being under the influence of drugs at the time of his arrest.

When officers searched Edwards, they allegedly found property belonging to the family in his pockets, including one victim’s driver’s license, jewelry and loose change.

The District Attorney’s Office described Edwards as a repeat offender with drug addiction issues.

“No one should ever have to endure what this family experienced in their own home,” District Attorney Anita Howard said. “This defendant broke into their home armed with guns while under the influence of drugs.”

Howard also credited the family’s teenage daughter for escaping with one of the weapons and getting help.

“Her daughter’s courage in escaping and calling for help is remarkable,” Howard said. “We are so grateful no one was physically harmed.”

Edwards will serve 10 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections before beginning the 10-year probation portion of his sentence.