Vidalia man sentenced to 24 years in prison for firearms-related charge

STATESBORO, Georgia: A Toombs County man has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to a firearms-related charge.

The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall and announced by Margaret E. "Meg" Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Iran Darna Harris, 30, of Vidalia, was sentenced to 288 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. The firearm was also equipped with a machinegun conversion device converting it to a fully automatic machinegun.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and testimony, in May 2025, Harris entered a restaurant located on East 1^st St. in Vidalia. While inside the establishment, Harris produced a firearm, a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol, and demanded money from employees.

After committing the robbery, Harris attempted to flee the restaurant and discard the weapon and stolen money but was apprehended by a Toombs County Sheriff's deputy. A search of the area where Harris had fled revealed the firearm and cash stolen from the establishment.

"This lengthy sentence sends a clear message that individuals who bring violence and fear into our community businesses will be held fully accountable," said U.S. Attorney Heap. "The quick actions of our local law enforcement partners prevented further danger and ensured this armed robber was brought to justice. We will continue to aggressively prosecute violent offenders to keep our neighborhoods safe."

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Toombs County Sheriff's Office.

"Armed robberies that place innocent people in harm's way have no place in our society and will not be tolerated," said Brian Ozden, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "The FBI remains committed to protecting our communities and working alongside our law enforcement partners to keep every neighborhood safe."

"Bringing a firearm into a place of business and threatening employees is a serious act of violence. This sentence underscores that those who put our community at risk will be held accountable," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Graves. "We thank our local and state law enforcement partners for their swift response and coordination in bringing this case to justice."

This case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.