Cobb Man Who Disguised Himself With Wig, Stole Jewelry, Led Cops On Car Chase Convicted

COBB COUNTY, GA — A Cobb County man who authorities called a serial armed robber will spend the rest of his life in prison, the Cobb County District Attorney's Office said.

Michael Mackey, 48, was found guilty on two counts of armed robbery, two counts of aggravated assault and three counts of false imprisonment last week. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

His charges stem from a robbery at the Cash America Pawn shop in July 2019. Mackey walked into the store disguised as a construction worker and wore a wig to help cover his face, accompanied by his friend Nicholas Swaby.

Mackey pointed a replica revolver pellet pistol at two pawn shop employees and forced them into a closet with another employee while Swaby stole jewelry, the DA's office said. Mackey and Swaby then drove off in a white Crown Victoria with taxi markings.

Cobb police found the car and started chasing the duo down southbound Interstate 285 during rush hour traffic, and Mackey was arrested after the eight-minute chase.

Cobb K9 units found Swaby and the bag of stolen jewelry, and he was sentenced in 2021 after pleading guilty for his part in the armed robbery, prosecutors said.

"Mackey is a dangerous career criminal. Our trial team was able to secure justice by presenting a strong case to the jury to allow them to see through his disguise and hold him accountable for his actions," Assistant District Attorney Tony Norton said. "We were able to do so thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Marietta and Cobb County police departments."