An Alabama man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after admitting to an armed robbery at a Columbus home improvement store and being linked to a string of similar crimes across Georgia.
Demetrice Q. Suttles, 43, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was sentenced on May 6 by U.S. District Judge Clay Land to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Suttles previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 27 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to federal prosecutors, Suttles was connected to at least ten robberies or thefts targeting home improvement stores across Georgia between March and July 2020.
“Criminals who engage in violent acts in the Middle District of Georgia will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes. “We are committed to working closely with law enforcement partners at every level to safeguard our communities and ensure these defendants face consequences for their actions.”
Authorities said Suttles used a consistent method during the crimes, often wearing all-black clothing marked “SECURITY,” a face mask, and carrying a visible firearm on his hip. Investigators said the weapon was used to intimidate employees and avoid apprehension.
On April 13, 2020, Suttles carried out a robbery at a Home Depot location in Columbus. According to court documents, he filled a shopping cart with power tools and attempted to leave without paying. When confronted by employees, Suttles allegedly threatened them while reaching for a handgun, warning, “Do not do it… I will shoot you.” He then fled the store with approximately $2,841 worth of merchandise.
Three days later, on April 16, Suttles was spotted at a Lowe’s store, where an employee recognized him from prior incidents and contacted authorities. He was arrested outside the store by Norcross Police.
“This wasn’t just theft, it was a pattern of criminal behavior that endangered employees across multiple communities, including ours,” said Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis. “Our officers worked closely with our partners to stop it and hold him accountable.”
Officials with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Suttles’ repeated use of a firearm heightened the seriousness of the crimes.
“Suttles carried out a pattern of robberies and thefts across multiple Georgia communities, using the presence of a firearm to create fear and avoid apprehension,” said ATF Special Agent Charles Mulherin.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the ATF, with assistance from the Norcross Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and targeting repeat offenders.