Man Sentenced To 25 Years For 2017 Walmart Armed Robbery

PAULDING COUNTY, GA -- Melvin Mitchell, 51, originally of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was tried and convicted on May 23, in the Superior Court of Paulding County on charges which stemmed from a 2017 armed robbery of the Dallas Walmart. He was convicted of armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana and driving without a license.

On Oct. 8, 2017 around 11:30 p.m., Mitchell entered the Walmart store located at 3615 Charles Hardy Parkway in Dallas. He selected a package of gum and went to a register to pay. When the cashier opened the drawer, Mitchell lifted his shirt revealing a handgun in his waistband. He then threatened to harm the clerk if she did not give him the money and keep quiet. After receiving the cash, Mitchell fled the store and entered a vehicle to flee the area.

Deputies and detectives of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and immediately began their investigation.

Through an investigation and search of Mitchell’s Dallas home, detectives of the Criminal Investigations Division were able to obtain criminal warrants and arrest Mitchell on Oct. 12, 2017. The vehicle he fled in, the gun he used, and even the clothing he wore the night of the robbery were identified and located by detectives.

Mitchell remained incarcerated at the Paulding County Jail until he posted bond in March of 2018. The bonding company later came off of his bond and he was returned to custody. His trial began in May of 2019.

Though facing a mountain of evidence against him, Mitchell refused to cooperate with detectives during the investigation and maintained his innocence throughout the duration of the trial.

Once convicted, Paulding County Superior Court Judge Dean Bucci sentenced Mitchell to 25 years where he will serve 13 incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Corrections prison system with the remainder to be served on probation.

Sheriff Gary Gulledge said, “We need to make sure that all of our citizens are always vigilant and aware of their surroundings whether at work, while traveling, or at home; and as always, if you suspect criminal activity in your area contact 911 or the proper authorities to report it.”