An Alabama man was sentenced on May 6 to serve 78 months in prison for robbing a Home Depot in Columbus, Georgia, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. Demetrice Q. Suttles, also known as Demetris Suttles, age 43 and from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of interference of commerce by robbery after being linked to at least ten similar robberies or thefts at home improvement stores across Georgia.
The sentencing underscores efforts by law enforcement agencies to address violent crimes affecting local businesses and communities. The case highlights ongoing cooperation between federal and local authorities in investigating and prosecuting repeat offenders.
“Criminals who engage in violent acts in the Middle District of Georgia will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” 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.” ATF Special Agent Charles Mulherin said, “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.” Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis said, “This wasn’t just theft, it was a pattern of criminal behavior that endangered employees across multiple communities, including ours. Our officers worked closely with our partners to stop it and hold him accountable. That’s exactly how this should end.”
Court documents show that between March 11 and July 20, 2020, several incidents occurred at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores throughout Georgia involving an individual matching Suttles’ description—dressed all in black with “SECURITY” on his clothing—and armed with a handgun visible on his right hip. On April 13, he threatened employees while stealing power tools valued at $2,841 from the Columbus Home Depot before fleeing the scene; three days later he was apprehended outside a Norcross Lowe’s after being recognized by staff.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative combining resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) aimed at combating violent crime nationwide.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia prosecutes federal crimes such as drug trafficking and violent offenses while managing civil litigation for the government in central Georgia; its office maintains facilities in Macon, Albany and Columbus serving approximately two million residents across seventy counties according to the official website.
Looking ahead, officials say they will continue joint operations targeting repeat offenders threatening public safety.
