NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A gang leader has been sentenced to serve more than 78 years in a federal prison for his role in three armed home invasion robberies in Nashville.
Federal prosecutors say Corey Lamont Lanier had achieved the highest rank in the 98 Mafia Street Gang when he planned, organized and participated in the violent home invasions that targeted drug dealers.
Officials say that during each of the robberies a group of three to four armed people burst into the homes and held the occupants at gunpoint while demanding drugs and money. Children were present at two of the robberies where the suspects kicked down the door, burst inside and threatened to kill everyone inside.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge William Haynes said Lanier used social media to intimidate witnesses.