Federal felon charged with multiple robberies appears before judge

Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia

Terry Lewis Burston, a repeat offender, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon 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 following his arrest on May 17, 2025. The United States Postal Inspection Service obtained a criminal complaint leading to his 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," stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement partners for their coordinated efforts in Burston's arrest.

Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, remarked on the collaboration between Postal Inspectors and local agencies in apprehending Burston: "We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the violent and callous actions committed by this defendant against postal service employees and other businesses."

Court information reveals that on December 14, 2024, Burston allegedly robbed an auto parts store in Decatur, Georgia with a handgun and fled with cash. On December 20, he reportedly robbed a Scottdale post office at gunpoint after customers left. On January 17, 2025, he allegedly attempted another robbery at a Decatur gas station.

On May 17, 2025, Burston was accused of attempting to rob a Lithonia post office but fled when employees alerted others. Postal inspectors found him changing clothes nearby with a firearm at his feet and arrested him after a short chase.

Burston was under federal supervision due to his 2013 armed bank robbery conviction and previously served time for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office in 1995.

The public is reminded that these are charges only; the government must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt at trial.

The case is investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with help from DeKalb County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Schechtman will prosecute.

This case falls under Operation Take Back America aimed at eliminating cartels and protecting communities from violent crime through resources from various task forces.

For further information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.