MACON, Ga. — Bibb County Sheriff David Davis says a gang, "Macon Mafia," played a role in last month's jail escape.
He made the announcement Monday at a press conference following the weekend capture of the final escapee, Joey Fournier.
"We made it our business to get into the mafia business," Davis told reporters Monday.
That business led to six arrests of alleged Macon Mafia gang members. Two of them are high-ranking, Davis says.
Federal court documents show Johnifer Barnwell, another escapee, was "a leader" in the organization. They don't specify how far up the chain Barnwell is, but the sheriff says it's likely Barnwell being out of jail helped their bottom line.
"Terico Balkcom and Alfonso Clyde, these are very, particularly Alfonso Clyde. He's a particularly high-ranking member of the mafia organization," Davis said.
Clyde is already charged with theft and driving with a suspended license in Bibb County Superior Court. He's accused of stealing an SUV last year.
"Now, he's facing federal charges in connection to his involvement with Mr. Barnwell and in the escape," Davis explained.
The sheriff didn't specify exactly how Clyde helped, but he says the gang aided Barnwell after he got out.
"They were in some ways helping him, some ways connected to him. His being out helped to further the mafia, their business," Davis said.
So far, there are no new charges in Bibb County Superior Court or federal court publicly available for Balkcom or Clyde. The other four men don't have any charges directly related to the escape, at least for now. That's based on superior court records available online.
Two of the men face other charges. Raquan Parker is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and is also charged with murder. Xavier Balkcom is faces charges related to marijuana possession or distribution.
The Bibb County Sheriff's Office says they'll make more arrests soon. Barnwell will have his arraignment Tuesday, Nov. 28, in federal court in Macon.