Laurens County man convicted on drug, gun charges after Macon Walmart arrest

53-year-old Jason Ronald Harvey faces up to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of four federal offenses. Sentencing will be scheduled later.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A federal jury convicted a Laurens County man Tuesday of drug and gun charges stemming from his arrest outside a Macon Walmart.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, 53-year-old Jason Ronald Harvey was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Harvey faces up to life in prison. His trial began Monday and concluded Tuesday. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled later.

According to prosecutors, investigators received information from a confidential source on July 31, 2024, that Harvey was at the Super 8 Motel on Chambers Road with drugs. At the time, he had outstanding warrants for aggravated assault in Laurens County and a probation violation in Henry County.

Investigators conducted surveillance and located Harvey at Walmart on Harrison Road. They arrested him as he left the store and found methamphetamine, crack cocaine and a handgun in his possession, according to the release.

Prosecutors said Harvey had a prior felony drug conviction in Georgia.

“Armed repeat offenders who threaten public safety will be brought to justice in the Middle District of Georgia,” U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said. “This case highlights the strong partnership between federal and local law enforcement to quickly apprehend and bring to justice convicted felons with guns who continually violate the law.”