Manhunt for Escapees: $73K Reward

Top left Joey Fournier, top right Chavis Stokes, bottom left Johnifer Barnwell, and the bottom right Marc Anderson.Photo byWJBF News/Nexstar Media Inc.

The FBI along with other law enforcement agencies launched a massive manhunt after four inmates escaped from the Bibb County Jail in Macon, GA on Monday. West Virginia law enforcement agencies are on high alert after learning that at least one of the inmates has ties to West Virginia.

Law enforcement is searching for 52-year-old Joey Fournier who is charged with murder, 29-year-old Chavis Stokes who faces drug charges, 25-year-old Marc K. Anderson faces an aggravated assault charge, and 37-year-old Johnifer Barnwell who was convicted of federal drug trafficking charges. The escape occurred under the cover of darkness, leaving prison authorities scrambling to understand how the inmates managed to breach the facility's security pulling off the escape.

Photo of the vehicle that was used in aiding the escape.Photo byWJBF News/Nexstar Media Inc.

The fugitives have a history of violent offenses, and are to be considered armed and dangerous, leaving the public concerned about their safety. According to FBI Pittsburgh Johnifer Barnwell is known to have ties to West Virginia. Barnwell was convicted early this month for his federal drug trafficking charges, and faces a lengthy prison sentence when he goes back in front of a federal judge for sentencing.

Federal law enforcement agencies as well as local police departments and state troopers responded swiftly searching for the escaped inmates. The FBI's involvement added crucial resources and expertise to the operation, amplifying the search efforts to locate the fugitives quickly. Athorities believe the fugitives may attempt to hide within communities they were familiar with, posing a potential risk to residents. Consequently, law enforcement officials urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may lead to the capture of the escaped inmates.

Local businesses, community organizations, and concerned citizens rallied behind law enforcement, displaying posters and sharing information across social media platforms, extending the reach of the manhunt beyond the immediate area.

Photo of the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center and Sheriff's Office front entrance.Photo byMacon-Bibb County

The outpouring of support reflected the shared commitment to maintaining the safety of the community. Law enforcement agencies reminded the public of the potential consequences associated with harboring or assisting the escaped inmates. Anyone found aiding the fugitives will face legal repercussions, and will be held accountable if they choose to hinder their capture. As the manhunt intensified, officers combed through dense forests, rural areas, and abandoned buildings, following leads and tirelessly searching for any sign of the fugitives.

Photo overlooking the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center and Sheriff's Office where the jail is located.Photo byMacon-Bibb County

The collaborative efforts between agencies at all levels, coupled with the engagement of the community, creating a force to be reckoned with. In such circumstances time is of the essence, the longer the escaped inmates evade law enforcement the harder the search may become. Law enforcement continues to urge the public to come forward if they have any information at all that could help them find the four escaped inmates.

The combined rewards offered are from the FBI who is offering a $10,000 reward for the capture of Barnwell as well as $5,000 reward for each of the other three inmates, the Macon Regional Crime Stoppers offering $2,000, Bibb County Sheriff's Office is offering a $5,000 reward for the capture of each escapee, and the U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for the capture of each escapee, for a total of up to $73,000 for the capture of all four of the escaped inmates.

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