A Gallatin man has been decisively sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for a string of violent armed robberies that took place nearly five years ago. Lazavion Kern, 23, conducted a crime spree in December 2019 that included robbing four convenience stores in Gallatin and Portland, Tennessee. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Kern's sentence follows a conviction in December 2023 on multiple charges including armed robbery and firearms offenses.
During his criminal campaign, Kern not only stole thousands of dollars but also severely injured a clerk by striking him with a gun. His pursuit to aggressively seek out gain through crime was halted when a federal grand jury charged him in January of 2023. "Our office is committed to prosecuting violent criminals and to protecting law abiding citizens," said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski in the press release.
Kern did not act alone; both Antonio Jones and Michael Sanchez Fitts were implicated as accomplices. Jones was sentenced earlier this month to 48 months in federal prison, while Fitts received a similar sentence back in May. Their sentencing also includes a subsequent 3-year period of supervised release, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The investigation was a combined effort between the FBI, Gallatin Police Department, Sumner County Sheriff's Office, and Portland Police Department. Joe Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office, stated, "This case was another example of law enforcement agencies coming together to combat violent crime and ensure the streets are rid of such callous criminals." The successful prosecution of Kern and his accomplices is part of a broader commitment by law enforcement to actively keep communities safe and pursue justice for victims of violent crimes, as stated in the press release.
With the case concluded and sentences handed down, the involved law enforcement agencies have reiterated their stance that collaboration is key to addressing violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Taylor J. Phillips prosecuted the case.
