ATL Standard

Four individuals involved in an attempted armed robbery of a jewelry store in Dunwoody, Georgia, have been sentenced to federal prison. The defendants were on probation or parole when they participated in the crime, which was orchestrated by Deuntria Lyons, an inmate at Valdosta State Prison serving six life sentences for previous offenses.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case: “These defendants posed a significant threat to public safety when they terrorized innocent victims during their crime spree.” He credited the successful prosecution to the collaboration between federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, remarked: “These defendants clearly showed no regard for the law as they continued their crimes even while on parole.”

The investigation began in July 2023 after a series of jewelry store robberies across the southeastern United States. Authorities intercepted communications between Lyons and his associates, including Melvin Asbury, Mark Oliver, and Santino Parks. The plan involved two robbers entering the store with handguns while a third waited in a getaway car.

On December 1, 2023, agents arrested Oliver, Parks, and Jamaury Marshall near the targeted jewelry store. They found masks, gloves, trash bags, sledgehammers, Glock pistols, and ammunition in their vehicle. Asbury was arrested shortly after by Georgia State Patrol troopers.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained an indictment against Lyons and another individual for conspiracy to commit robbery.

All four defendants were previously convicted of violent crimes. Asbury had been paroled after nearly 17 years for armed robbery and other charges; Marshall was on probation following imprisonment for burglary and assault; Parks was on probation for robbery by force; Oliver was also on probation for violent acts.

U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen issued sentences as follows:

- Melvin Asbury received five years and three months followed by three years supervised release.

- Jamaury Marshall received eight years and four months followed by three years supervised release.

- Mark Anthony Oliver received five years and three months followed by three years supervised release.

- Santino Demarco Parks received seven years followed by three years supervised release.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted this case's investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Leanne M. Marek prosecuting.

For more information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.