Repeat Felon Charged with Armed Robberies of Post Offices and Businesses in DeKalb County

Terry Lewis Burston, a multi-convicted felon previously released from prison in 2024, appeared in federal court on May 22, 2025, following his arrest on multiple federal charges, including postal robbery, aggravated assault on a federal employee, Hobbs Act Robbery, and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

“This is another example of Postal Inspectors and local agencies collaborating to remove an armed and dangerous individual from our community,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the violent and callous actions committed by this defendant against postal service employees and other businesses.”

Burston, 52, was arrested on May 17, 2025, after an attempted robbery at a Lithonia post office. According to court records, Burston fled the scene after postal employees began alerting others. Postal inspectors located Burston changing clothes behind a nearby restaurant and recovered a firearm at his feet. He was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Federal authorities allege Burston committed a series of armed robberies beginning in late 2024. On December 14, 2024, he allegedly robbed an auto parts store in Decatur, Georgia, by tapping a black handgun on the counter and demanding money. On December 20, he reportedly forced his way into a post office in Scottdale, pointed a gun at a postal employee, and stole money from the register.

On January 17, 2025, Burston is accused of attempting to rob a gas station in Decatur, pointing a handgun at an employee during the incident.

Burston was on federal supervision at the time of the alleged crimes. He had previously served time for a 2013 armed bank robbery conviction and a 1995 sentence of 20 years for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the DeKalb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah R. Schechtman is prosecuting the case.

Burston remains in custody. The charges against him are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.