Getaway driver sentenced to 20 years in prison for Macon robbery spree

Jamarious Tucker pleaded guilty in the 2022 Thanksgiving break robbery spree. He received a 40-year sentence, with the first 20 years in prison.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A getaway driver in a four-day armed robbery spree during Thanksgiving break in 2022 has been sentenced to 40 years, with 20 years to serve in prison.

Jamarious Tucker pleaded guilty Monday to charges including armed robbery and robbery by force, according to a news release sent Tuesday by the office of Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard.

Tucker was 15 at the time of the robberies.

Prosecutors say a group of armed teenagers targeted people at convenience stores, a gas station and a hotel. Three vehicles were taken at gunpoint.

According to the district attorney’s office, Tucker admitted participating in the theft of three vehicles and a robbery at the Walmart on Harrison Road. Prosecutors say he helped approach victims and drove the stolen vehicles away.

Although Tucker did not hold a weapon during the robberies, prosecutors said his role as the getaway driver was essential.

“At sentencing, the court considered the nature of the crimes, Tucker’s age at the time of the offenses, and his role in enabling the robberies,” the release said.

Tucker is the ninth of 10 defendants charged in the case to be convicted. The remaining defendant, described by prosecutors as the alleged gunman, has not pleaded guilty or stood trial.

“This a tragic situation where teenagers made decisions that derailed their lives,” Howard said in the release. “These types of crimes illustrate the importance of the youth initiatives offered by our office to provide young people with better options for more productive lives.”