Gallatin, Tennessee – Lazavion Kern, a 22-year-old from Gallatin, Tennessee, has been convicted by a federal jury of several serious offenses, including armed robbery and firearms charges. This verdict, announced by United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee, marks a significant conclusion to a case that involved multiple violent robberies over a three-week period.
In December 2019, Kern embarked on a crime spree, targeting four convenience stores in Gallatin and Portland, Tennessee. During these robberies, he stole thousands of dollars from store clerks. The situation escalated during the final robbery, where Kern viciously pistol-whipped a clerk, causing serious injury. In January 2023, a federal grand jury charged Kern 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. The federal jury found Kern guilty on each of these counts.
United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis spoke out on the conviction, highlighting the gravity of Kern’s actions. “This defendant went on a three-week crime spree, violently attacked an innocent store clerk, and bragged about his actions on social media,” Leventis stated. He praised the verdict for ensuring Kern’s accountability and his removal from society for at least 14 years. Leventis also commended the collaborative efforts of the trial team, the FBI, and local law enforcement partners in achieving this outcome.
Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office echoed these sentiments. He emphasized the strong message sent by this conviction: that the FBI and law enforcement prioritize bringing justice to those who engage in armed robbery for financial gain. DePodesta reiterated the commitment to combat violent crimes and hold offenders accountable.
Kern now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 14 years and could potentially receive a life sentence in federal prison. United States District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr., will preside over the sentencing.
The case also involved Antonio Jones and Michael Sanchez Fitts, who assisted Kern in the robberies. Both Jones and Fitts have pleaded guilty to related felonies.
This case was thoroughly investigated by several law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gallatin Police Department, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, and Portland Police Department, with additional support from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Taylor J. Phillips led the prosecution efforts, culminating in this significant conviction.
