Terry Lewis Burston, a convicted felon recently released from prison, appeared in court on May 22, 2025. He faces charges of postal robbery, aggravated assault on a federal employee, Hobbs Act Robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. His arrest occurred on May 17, 2025, following an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case: "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 from 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 Burston allegedly committed several robberies starting December 14, 2024. Incidents include robbing an auto parts store in Decatur and attempting to rob post offices in Scottdale and Lithonia. During these events, he reportedly used a handgun to threaten employees before fleeing with cash.
At the time of these alleged crimes, Burston was under federal supervision due to his past conviction for armed bank robbery in 2013. In another case dating back to 1995, he received a 20-year sentence for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office.
The public is reminded that charges are not proof of guilt; it remains the government's responsibility to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Postal Inspection Service leads this investigation with assistance from the DeKalb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah R. Schechtman is prosecuting.
This case forms part of Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration and violent crime through coordinated efforts across various justice departments.
For more details or inquiries about this case, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone as provided above.