Two Men Sentenced for 2018 Robbery Spree in South Metro Atlanta

“Carrying weapons into peaceful places of business and terrorizing hard-working citizens is something the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make every effort to prosecute and punish,” Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a statement. “These sentences should be a warning to anyone who would consider armed robbery in our community, and hopefully bring some comfort to the victims that were affected during the commission of these crimes.”

A news release from the United States Department of Justice said that on Oct. 29, 2018, Duako attempted to rob a CVS store in the City of South Fulton, during which, he pointed a semi-automatic handgun at an employee and ordered her to walk to the cash register. Rather than comply with Duako’s demand, the employee fled to the rear of the store and engaged a fire alarm, thwarting the robbery.

Later that day, Duako robbed a Dollar General store, also located in South Fulton. Again, he pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded cash. On this occasion, Duako stole cash and personal property from the employee.

According to the press release, Duako and co-defendant Brooks spent the next day driving to various locations in metro Atlanta, including an IHOP restaurant and a Family Dollar store in South Fulton, a Sprint store in Riverdale, a Metro PCS store in College Park, and a United Community Bank branch in Fairburn. Duako robbed each of these businesses at gunpoint, stealing cash and cell phones. Brooks acted as the getaway driver.

Less than two hours after the robbery at the United Community Bank, law enforcement apprehended Duako and Brooks.

Law enforcement recovered more than $9,000 in cash in Duako’s possession — the approximate amount of money stolen during the five consecutive robberies. Police also recovered several cell phones that were taken during the robbery at the Sprint store.

Duako, 35, of Ghana, West Africa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jean-Paul “J.P.” Boulee on July 31 of this year to 16 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Duako was convicted of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and armed bank robbery on April 24, after he pleaded guilty.

Brooks, 33, of Atlanta, was sentenced by Judge Boulee on Sept. 29, 2021, to 11 years, nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Brooks was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, armed bank robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence after he pleaded guilty on June 17, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Clayton County Police Department, South Fulton Police Department, Riverdale Police Department and Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Joseph Plummer prosecuted the case.