NASHVILLE - Lazavion Kern, 23, of Gallatin, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison, following his conviction in December 2023, of multiple armed robbery and firearms offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.

During a three-week span in December 2019, Kern robbed four convenience stores in Gallatin and Portland, Tennessee, taking thousands of dollars from the clerks. As part of the final robbery, Kern repeatedly pistol-whipped the clerk, seriously injuring him. Kern was charged by a federal grand jury in January of 2023 with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for each of the four robberies, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

"Our office is committed to prosecuting violent criminals and to protecting law abiding citizens," said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. "This sentence shows that if you commit a violent crime in our community, we will do whatever it takes to find you and hold you accountable for your actions. We stand with our law enforcement partners across Middle Tennessee to seek justice and keep our communities safe."

"This sentence should send a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our communities safe," said Joe Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "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."

Kern was aided in each robbery by Antonio Jones and, in the third robbery, by Michael Sanchez Fitts. Jones and Fitts pleaded guilty to felonies. Fitts was sentenced on May 22, 2023, to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Jones was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gallatin Police Department, the Sumner County Sheriff's Office, and the Portland Police Department. Significant assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Taylor J. Phillips prosecuted the case.

#####