An interstate robbery crew led by a Georgia prison inmate has been dismantled after their attempted smash-and-grab robbery of a Dunwoody jewelry store. Four multi-convicted felons, all on probation or parole at the time, have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the crime.
The mastermind behind the operation was Deuntria Lyons, who was already serving six life sentences at Valdosta State Prison. Lyons used smuggled phones to communicate with his accomplices and plan robberies throughout the southeastern United States.
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In November 2023, the FBI intercepted communications between Lyons and his associates, including Melvin Asbury, Mark Oliver, and Santino Parks, detailing their plan to rob the Dunwoody jewelry store. Agents caught the crew red-handed on December 1st, 2023, arresting them near the store with masks, gloves, sledgehammers, and loaded firearms.
“These defendants posed a significant threat to public safety when they terrorized innocent victims during their crime spree,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The successful prosecutions of these armed career criminals resulted from the tenacious and collaborative work of our federal and state law enforcement partners who disrupted the defendants’ violent activities and helped to prevent them from targeting other members of our communities.”
All four defendants had extensive criminal histories, including convictions for armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, burglary, and weapons possession. Despite being on probation or parole, they continued their criminal activities, putting the public at risk.
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“These defendants clearly showed no regard for the law as they continued their crimes even while on parole. All four were willing to put innocent civilians at risk during the commission of these armed robberies and it is fortunate no one was hurt because of their selfish desire for wealth,” said Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Hopefully this federal sentence will send the message that the FBI will not tolerate the behavior of repeat violent offenders.”
The defendants received sentences ranging from five years to eight years in federal prison. This case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies to keep communities safe.
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