CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The leader of an organized and violent theft ring that carried out armed robberies of jewelry stores in multiple states has pleaded guilty mid-trial.
The federal trial of Deuntria Lamar Lyons, 45, of Valdosta, Georgia, began March 2.
After two days of testimony, Lyons pleaded guilty without the benefit of a plea deal to the counts charged in the indictment, including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
Lyons’ co-conspirators, Brandane Smith and Alzaah Wade, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and are awaiting sentencing.
“Robberies at gunpoint like Lyons and his crew carried out are terrifying,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Armed with guns and sledgehammers, they stormed jewelry stores, threatened
employees, and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise. We will do all that is
necessary to put an end to these actions, and I am glad Mr. Lyons pled guilty before wasting more of the jury’s time.”
According to filed documents, trial evidence, and witness testimony, on July 11, 2023, at
approximately 11:50 a.m., three hooded and masked individuals entered FINK’s Jewelry in
Huntersville. All three robbers were armed with guns.
The robbers corralled the employees to one side of the store at gunpoint. Two robbers then began to break display cases with sledgehammers while the third robber stood guard on the business entrance.
In total, the robbers stole approximately $500K in diamonds and watches before they fled the scene.
During the investigation, investigators determined that the group was responsible for a string of
armed robberies of jewelry stores in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Lyons was determined to be the leader who orchestrated the robberies with Wade, Smith, and others.
The FBI learned that Lyons was planning a robbery for the morning of Dec. 1, 2023, in Dunwoody, Georgia. FBI agents in Atlanta and local law enforcement were waiting for the would-be robbers when they arrived at the location for the planned robbery. The crew had gloves, masks, firearms, and sledgehammers.
Lyons was remanded into federal custody following the guilty plea. At sentencing, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each charge. A sentencing date has not been set.
