Federal Jury Convicts Prior Felon for a Violent Armed Robbery of the Carlsbad Motel 6

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 14, 2019

SAN DIEGO – Yesterday, a federal jury found Lance Lamont Lavert, a Utah resident, guilty of robbing the Motel 6 in Carlsbad, California, using and brandishing a Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver during the robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The jury returned their verdict after hearing the testimony of 11 witnesses and deliberating for approximately two hours.

“We are working tirelessly with our local and federal law enforcement partners to find and prosecute violent criminals and keep our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We are gratified to have brought this defendant to justice and some measure of peace to his victims, thanks to the diligent efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Kimura and Matthew Brehm and our law enforcement partners.”

During trial before Chief District Judge Larry Alan Burns, the prosecution relied on victims from the Motel 6, a Carlsbad police detective, forensic specialists from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, and federal agents, among others, as witnesses to prove Lavert’s traumatizing crimes. Witnesses described how, on the morning of July 9, 2018, Lavert and his girlfriend, a co-defendant, entered the Motel 6 on Paseo Del Norte in Carlsbad, California.  Lavert approached the counter and asked for a room. When his request was denied due to a lack of identification, Lavert pulled a gun out of his backpack, pointed it at the clerk and her manager, and then demanded money. The clerk and manager ran from Lavert but Lavert jumped the counter, kicked in the door of the bathroom where the clerk was hiding, and then brought the clerk (at gun point) back to cash register.  Lavert demanded money and pistol-whipped her in the head.  After the clerk opened a drawer that held the motel’s cash, Lavert grabbed money from the drawer and ordered the clerk to give him keys to her personal vehicle. Lavert then jumped back over the counter and he and his girlfriend departed.

Two days later, Lavert was arrested trying to enter the United States from Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.  He had the Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver concealed in his waistband. The prosecution introduced certified court documents to prove Lavert had several prior felony convictions, including for arson.

“This case serves as a great example of the close cooperation that exists between federal and local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, “said Timothy J. Tubbs, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego.  “HSI will continue working with our regional partners to ensure that violent criminals are brought to justice.”

Lavert’s co-defendant and girlfriend (at the time of the offense) accepted a resolution before trial. 

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section.  Formed in 2019, by U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr., the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, labor trafficking and alien smuggling. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood.

DEFENDANT                                                Case Number 18cr3485-LAB                                              

Lance Lamont Lavert                                     Age: 37                                   Salt Lake City, UT

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1951(a)

Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine

Using and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence –

Title 18, U.S.C., Section 924(c)

Maximum penalty: life imprisonment; a mandatory minimum seven years in prison; and $250,000 fine

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(1)

Maximum penalty: 10 years’ imprisonment and $250,000 fine

AGENCY

Carlsbad Police Department

San Diego Sherriff’s Department

Homeland Security Investigations

Customs and Border Protection

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.