Prentiss County deputies responded to a burglary report on May 22, 2026, at a home on County Road 5075, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies arrived to find the homeowner’s sister, who said two men had forced entry into the residence. She told deputies she saw the suspects on security camera footage and that they fled into the wooded area behind the house as she arrived.
Authorities spotted two shirtless men matching the descriptions running along the property line and took them into custody without incident. The suspects were identified as Jacob Wayne Mears, 29, of Baldwyn, and Aaron Eddie Kelly, 37, also of Baldwyn.
During a search, deputies found items belonging to the homeowner and a large quantity of methamphetamine near the suspects. They also discovered items stolen from a disabled vehicle on the property, including a 2008 GMC Sierra registered to Mears. A .22 revolver found on a trailer attached to the truck was identified as stolen from under the homeowner’s bed.
Security camera images showed both suspects entering and leaving the residence. The homeowner provided written statements, and investigators conducted interviews with the suspects. Charges filed include burglary of a dwelling and automobile, possession of methamphetamine, and tampering with physical evidence. Mears faces an additional charge of burglary of a vehicle, while Kelly is charged with possession of a weapon by a felon.
Both suspects are under supervision by the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Justice Court Judge Ray Hall set bonds at $150,000 for Mears and $200,000 for Kelly. They were transported to the Prentiss County Jail. Investigators plan to present the cases to a grand jury, with Mears facing charges of burglary and drug possession, and Kelly facing similar charges plus firearm possession.
