Marcus Lee Deloatch, Armed Robbery, North Carolina 2024
An armed robbery unfolded at a Verizon store in Ahoskie, North Carolina, on December 21, 2023, leaving employees shaken. The perpetrator, 40-year-old Marcus Lee Deloatch, a former employee of the store, forced his way in through the back door as the manager was closing for the night.
Deloatch, who held a pistol, pistol-whipped the manager, knocking her to the ground. He then proceeded to the front of the store, where he pointed his firearm at another employee while grabbing $1,200 from the register. The disturbing act was motivated by a claim that the store owed him his last paycheck for $200.
Deloatch fled out the rear of the store, but was quickly apprehended by police due to the swift identification of the suspect by the victims, who recognized their former coworker. In a peculiar comment, Deloatch mentioned that he had not planned on getting locked up until after Christmas.
On June 11, 2024, Marcus Lee Deloatch pled guilty to the charges of armed robbery and the use of a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. This plea led to a sentencing of 102 months in prison, equivalent to 8.5 years.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Aubart and investigated by the FBI and Ahoskie PD. U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan presided over the sentencing.
As a result of this conviction, Deloatch will serve a significant portion of his sentence in prison. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of violence and the importance of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.
A court document with Case No. 2:24-CR-11-FL can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for the case number.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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