Mississippi Man Gets 20 Years For Armed Robbery In Pickens County

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Columbus, Mississippi man will serve 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to the armed robbery of a Family Dollar store in Pickens County last year.

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24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin said Jaylen Kenyatta Harris, 22, admitted to robbing the store in Reform in April 2024 while wearing a mask and carrying a firearm.

Harris pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree robbery in Pickens County Circuit Court on Wednesday and Circuit Court Judge Sam Junkin sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

He then said Pickens County Sheriff Jordan Powell and deputies with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, along with officers from the Reform and Gordo Police Departments, located Harris shortly after the robbery during a traffic stop in Gordo.

During the traffic stop, investigators recovered a gun, stolen cash and clothing matching the suspect's description inside the vehicle.

“This was a dangerous situation that was quickly resolved thanks to the fast response and teamwork of multiple agencies,” Hamlin said. “Armed robbery is a serious crime that puts lives at risk. This sentence reflects the severity of the offense and ensures Mr. Harris will be held accountable.”

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