Violent drug dealer sentenced to 15 years in prison after MARTA shooting

ATLANTA - Robert Lyles, a violent repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after he fired a gun at a fellow passenger on the platform of a downtown Atlanta MARTA station. As a multi-convicted felon, Lyles was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

"Completely indifferent to the safety of innocent people, Lyles shot at a complete stranger inside Atlanta's busiest MARTA station," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Lyles was initially charged locally, but he was released on bail and later re-arrested for another gun-possession offense and family violence battery. Thankfully, federal agents who learned of Lyles's case presented it for federal prosecution, ensuring appropriate punishment for a violent and dangerous predator."

"The cooperation between agencies such as ATF, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and local law enforcement is critical to addressing the ongoing threat of gun violence. Through strong partnerships and coordinated efforts, we can take proactive measures to protect our communities and prevent future tragedies," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd.

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On August 4, 2022, Lyles got into an argument with a stranger at the Five Points MARTA station in downtown Atlanta. After a couple of minutes, Lyles drew a stolen pistol from his waistband, fired a shot in the direction of the other man, and fled the scene. Approximately five days later, when officers found Lyles standing by the entrance to the same MARTA station, Lyles was carrying the stolen firearm he had used in the shooting.

In March 2024, more than a year and a half later, a Fulton County grand jury indicted Lyles for crimes related to the shooting. However, by that point, Lyles had been released from local custody. Federal agents then sought intervention by the U.S. Attorney's Office, which initiated a federal prosecution in December 2024. In March 2025, Lyles appeared in federal court and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service without bail.

Lyles has a long and violent criminal history. In 2002, 2006, and 2014, Lyles was convicted of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. In 2006, he was convicted of simple battery after cutting another person with a knife. In 2013, he was convicted of family violence battery and child cruelty. In 2014, he was convicted of felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer after kicking an officer in the groin and striking him in the chest while attempting to swallow cocaine he had just been arrested for possessing. In 2015, he was convicted of family violence aggravated assault after pointing a handgun at the mother of his child. Most of Lyles's state-court sentences were probated, suspended, or commuted.

Robert Lyles, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today to fifteen years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty on January 13, 2026, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the MARTA Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Evert and Jonell L. Lucca prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney's Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.