Alabama Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Home Depot Robbery in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A Tuscaloosa man tied to a string of armed retail thefts across Georgia has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia.
43-year-old Demetrice Q. Suttles (a.k.a. Demetris Suttles) was sentenced May 6 to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery. Federal officials noted there is no parole in the federal system.
Prosecutors said Suttles carried out a pattern of at least 10 robberies and thefts at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores between March 11 and July 20, 2020. Investigators linked the incidents through consistent surveillance footage, witness descriptions and the suspect’s distinctive appearance and method.
Authorities said Suttles often wore all-black clothing labeled “SECURITY,” along with a face mask, and openly carried a handgun on his right hip. The firearm was used to intimidate employees and prevent intervention as he stole merchandise.
In a key incident on April 13, 2020, at a Columbus Home Depot, an asset protection employee observed Suttles loading a shopping cart with power tools before bypassing checkout and heading for the exit. When confronted, Suttles shouted profanities and reached for his handgun, lifting it from the holster while threatening to shoot if approached. He then fled the store with approximately $2,841 in stolen merchandise.
Just three days later, on April 16, Suttles was spotted at a Lowe’s in Norcross. An employee recognized him from prior incidents and alerted police. Officers with the Norcross Police Department responded and apprehended him outside the store, bringing an end to the series of thefts.
Investigators determined that although the crimes occurred at different locations and times of day, the same suspect description, clothing, and visible firearm linked the incidents across multiple jurisdictions.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Norcross Police Department.
U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes said the sentence reflects the seriousness of using a firearm to commit thefts and threaten public safety, while ATF officials emphasized the risks posed by repeat offenders engaging in armed criminal activity.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett prosecuted the case.
