Terry Lewis Burston, a convicted felon released from prison last year, appeared in court on May 22, 2025. He faces charges including postal robbery, aggravated assault on a federal employee, Hobbs Act Robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Burston was apprehended on May 17, 2025, following a criminal complaint by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the arrest: “Burston is a violent repeat offender who allegedly terrorized the citizens of DeKalb County by assaulting federal employees and robbing local business operators at gunpoint.” He expressed gratitude to law enforcement partners for their role in Burston’s arrest.
Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, added: “This is another example of Postal Inspectors and local agencies collaborating to remove an armed and dangerous individual from our community.”
Court information revealed that on December 14, 2024, Burston allegedly robbed an auto parts store in Decatur, Georgia. He reportedly brandished a handgun during the incident and fled with cash. Six days later, he allegedly robbed a post office in Scottdale, Georgia under similar circumstances.
On January 17, 2025, Burston allegedly attempted another robbery at a gas station in Decatur. On May 17, 2025, he purportedly tried to rob a Lithonia post office but was thwarted when employees raised an alarm. Postal inspectors found him nearby and arrested him after recovering a firearm.
At the time of these incidents, Burston was under federal supervision following his conviction for armed bank robbery in 2013. Previously, he had been sentenced to 20 years for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office in 1995.
The public is reminded that these charges are allegations and that Burston is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is leading the investigation with help from the DeKalb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah R. Schechtman is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
For more information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
