Macon, Georgia… Four Defendants who were part of a 61 count RICO, Theft, and Commercial Burglary Indictment plead Guilty on April 8, 2024, just before their trial was set to begin in Bibb Superior Court. The crime spree of Defendants, Antuane Simmons, 36; Frankie Barnes, 55; Cornelius Redding, 35; and, Marcus Robinson, 44, lasted from December 23, 2019, through April 28, 2020. During that time these burglars demonstrated organization and teamwork as they went through numerous businesses, including convenience stores, bulk stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, small businesses, and salons while concealed in hoodies, facemasks, gloves, boots, and knee pads. They stealthily moved through the businesses, rummaging registers and cabinets while looking for easily portable money, merchandise, cigarettes. As the trial date grew closer, Barnes was the first Defendant to indicate a desire to plead Guilty and to follow through by cooperating with the State as a testifying witness against his codefendants. With the knowledge they would be facing the testimony of their co-conspirator, the remaining Defendants thereafter made the decision not to face the jury for their crimes.
The District Attorney’s Trial Team was led by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kyle Owenby and Assistant District Attorney Taylor Wilson. Together they worked their case and presented the pleas to the Court while reminding all “there is no honor among thieves,” as the Judge pronounced sentence upon each Defendant. The Defendants received sentences as follows: Simmons, who was charged in 36 of the 58 Burglary counts was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 15 to be served in prison. Robinson, who was charged in 28 of the 58 Burglary counts was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 10 to be served in prison. Redding, who was charged in 15 of the 58 Burglary counts was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 4 to be served in prison. Barnes, who was charged with 19 of the 58 Burglary counts was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 3 to be served in prison.
“I echo the words of Senior Assistant District Attorney Kyle Owenby—there truly is NO honor among thieves when the time is upon them to account for their crimes or to face harsh consequences. I praise the diligent and hard work of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Investigators in solving these complicated and long running crimes committed against businesses in Bibb County. They have been steadfast in ensuring justice was served for our entire community and for that they deserve out thanks and gratitude.” DA Howard.
