Johnifer Barnwell makes federal court appearance in Macon after recapture

The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia says Barnwell, a convicted felon, faces a federal charge for his alleged involvement in a Bibb County jailbreak on October 16.

November 28, 2023

Tucker Sargent,

Barnwell Gfx — Johnifer Barnwell (Bibb County Sheriff's Office)

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, also known as “Whoop” and “Malixe,” appeared in the U.S. Courthouse in Macon Tuesday for his initial appearance in the Middle District of Georgia after being taken into custody in Augusta on November 12.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia says Barnwell, a convicted felon, faces a federal charge for his alleged involvement in a Bibb County jailbreak on October 16.

During Tuesday’s hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle ordered Barnwell to remain in federal custody without bond. His arraignment is expected to take place later this week. He’s charged with escape from custody.

His co-defendant, 30-year-old Janecia Green, faces charges of aiding and abetting Barnwell’s escape and assisting escape of a person committed to custody. Both those charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Barnwell, along with three others—Marc K. Anderson, Joey Fournier and Chavis Stokes—escaped from the Bibb County Jail through a broken window and cut fence in the early morning hours of October 16. All four men were eventually re-captured.

According to the indictment, Barnwell, who was being held in the Bibb County Jail on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service, escaped with Green’s assistance after Barnwell was convicted two weeks prior by a federal jury on drug-related charges. For those charges, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.

Green had her initial appearance in Macon on November 15 and was ordered to remain in federal custody pending trial after a detention hearing on November 21.

The FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuting the case.