ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The primary orchestrator and the most perilous member of a criminal group responsible for a series of armed robberies targeting restaurants in Gwinnett County has been sentenced to life imprisonment, according to the district attorney’s office.
Dametrius Marquel Sims, 30 years old, was handed four consecutive life sentences plus an additional 90 years after being found guilty on multiple charges linked to the robberies, as announced by Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson on Wednesday.
Between August and October 2017, Sims led a gang of criminals in carrying out the robberies of restaurants, beginning with the Steak ‘n Shake at 2110 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, as per the DA.
Prosecutors revealed that on August 14, Sims conducted the robbery of the Steak ‘n Shake manager following inside information provided by Trevonne Poole, an associate of Sims who worked at the restaurant, regarding the cash movements.
Subsequently, on September 28, Sims robbed a delivery driver from the China House restaurant located at 2433 Mistletoe Lane in Snellville after placing a food order via phone.
On October 1, with the help of another co-defendant named Oshay Howard, Sims orchestrated an armed robbery at the Golden Corral on 3888 Stone Mountain Highway in Snellville. The DA’s office reported that Sims shot at the manager when the latter tried to escape during the robbery.
On October 4, a Papa John’s delivery driver was robbed at the Vines Apartments on 3500 Peachtree Corners Circle in Norcross after responding to a call made from Sims’ phone, according to Austin-Gatson.
After a police alert was issued with Sims’ phone number warning restaurants about the potential danger, Sims continued targeting restaurants in person, as mentioned by the district attorney.
On October 9, Sims allegedly shot the manager of Marcos Pizza at 4045 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn during an attempted robbery at the establishment.
Austin-Gatson mentioned that at the time of the incident, Sims’ cell phone was linked to the Wi-Fi router at the nearby Publix store.
Sims was apprehended on October 13, 2017, after robbing an employee at the Royal Package store situated at 5464 Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn.
The prosecutors disclosed that Sims was convicted on four counts of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery, six charges of aggravated assault, and six counts of illegal firearm possession.
Both Poole and Howard faced trials and convictions prior to Sims, receiving prison terms accordingly.
“This spree of violent crimes had the potential for fatalities,” stated Austin-Gatson in a release. “Gwinnett County business owners lived under threat for weeks. No one should have to face the fear of going to work. By incarcerating this individual, we are sending a strong message to potential offenders that such actions will not be tolerated. We are grateful for the jury’s decision in this case, and I commend our team for their relentless commitment and diligence in bringing this case to a resolution.”
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