TYLER, Texas – A brazen crime spree in Smith County has landed a Houston man behind bars. Julius Lawan Lockett, Jr., 30, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for his role in a string of ATM burglaries.
Lockett, along with an accomplice, Jermone Christopher Mayes, Jr., drove from Houston to Tyler to steal U.S. currency from ATMs in the area. On March 28, 2021, the duo used a stolen Ford F-250 truck to attach chains to an ATM at Chase Bank at South Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler, pulling it open and stealing approximately $159,700.
According to information presented in court, Lockett conspired with others to burglarize ATMs in the Smith County area. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tyler Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson handling the prosecution.
Lockett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was ordered to pay restitution of $243,540.85 and forfeiture of $79,850 by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on April 17, 2025.
The accomplice, Jermone Christopher Mayes, Jr., was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy on January 29, 2025.
Lockett’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance in preventing crimes like these. Authorities urge anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward and report it to the authorities.
The case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in Texas, who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
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- Dustin Ray Williams, Obstruction of Law Enforcement During Civil Disorder, Texas 2021 · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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