Brookhaven Robbers Don Matthes and Q. Truley Sentenced to Federal Prison

ATLANTA – The justice system has delivered a decisive blow against the violent duo Don Matthes and Quentin Truley, who were sentenced for their brazen armed robberies of cell phone stores in DeKalb County, Georgia. Both men face long stretches in federal prison.

‘These defendants showed no regard for human life as they terrorized customers and employees with guns,’ U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine declared. ‘Thanks to the Project Safe Neighborhood Program, these violent criminals will now pay for their actions with significant sentences behind bars.’

Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta, emphasized the importance of collaboration. ‘The violent conduct of these armed robberies will not be tolerated. The FBI is proud to have worked alongside local law enforcement to secure these convictions at the federal level, where they face harsher penalties.’

Brookhaven Police Chief Gary Yandura praised the efforts of all involved in the investigation. ‘The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the dedication of our peace officers and public servants. We hope the victims find some measure of peace knowing these offenders are off the streets,’ he said.

Chief Mirtha V. Ramos of the DeKalb County Police Department echoed the sentiment of partnership. ‘This successful resolution is a prime example of how federal and local collaboration helps solve cases and keep our communities safe,’ she commented.

According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, on December 17, 2017, Matthes and Truley entered a Brookhaven cellular phone store, forcing employees and customers to the ground at gunpoint. They made off with cell phones before fleeing. Eleven days later, Truley struck again in Lithonia, with police using a tracker phone to apprehend him.

Don Matthes, 31, of Decatur, Georgia, received nine years, four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $19,321 in restitution. Quentin Truley, 27, of Decatur, Georgia, was sentenced to 19 years and three months in prison with five years of supervised release and a $40,400.91 restitution order. Both pleaded guilty or were found guilty on various counts of armed robbery.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program dedicated to reducing violent crime through partnerships between law enforcement and the community. The Northern District of Georgia’s PSN focuses on prosecuting individuals who drive violence in our communities.