Bibb County Coroner urges people to avoid jail in social media video

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones shared a strong message on Facebook, warning residents that jail fits everyone, and many crimes are entirely preventable.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones is sending a clear message to the community: think before you act, and stay out of jail.

Jones recently uploaded a Facebook Reels video encouraging people to avoid preventable crimes and consider the consequences of their actions.

Jones says the number of inmates in the Bibb County Jail raises concerns for him.

“Going to jail stresses out your family,” he said. “It puts them under a mental, physical and financial stress. A lot of times they have to run two households. Their house, you’re in jail, so they have to run your house. Just stay out of jail, it’s easy…plain and simple.”

Jones says it’s not hard to do the right thing and abide by the law.

“Probation—pay your probation,” he said. “Warrants—take care of them, because you’re going to jail, they’re not going anywhere. Failure to appear—that’s a serious one. If you’re supposed to go to court, go. ‘Well, they sent the mail to the wrong address.’ So what? You know you’re supposed to be in court—go.”

He says most people he comes across have committed preventable crimes, including two females he mentioned in the Facebook video. He says the two women were aarguing over a man they were involved with. Now, they both have to face the repercussions of that altercation.

“You have got to walk away,” he said. “You’re no less of a man or woman to stand there for an altercation. You’ve got to walk away.”

Jones hopes his video will help the community decrease violence and remind residents that no one is above the law.

“Remember this, Macon-Bibb: jail is not tailor-made,” he said. “It will fit anybody. I’ve seen coroners, doctors, law enforcement, dentists—every job you can think of—in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. So, don’t think you’re too good to go to jail.”

Coroner Jones encourages you to call law enforcement if you’re not sure how to handle a situation.