A Meridian man is expected to face jail time for robbing multiple local businesses.
According to court documents, Matthew Byrd, 42, committed four armed robberies across the state between April 20, 2022, and May 15, 2022. During each robbery, Byrd displayed a firearm to intimidate a clerk and steal merchandise and cash from the business.
Through the investigation, law enforcement was able to determine that Byrd was a convicted felon, previously being convicted of possession of methamphetamine and residential burglary. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Byrd to possess any firearm.
Byrd pled guilty to three counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, East Mississippi Drug Task Force, Meridian Police Department, Clinton Police Department, Newton County Sherriff’s Department, and the ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart is prosecuting the case.
