Jaren Bernard-Alan Meyers, 19, of Pelion, pled guilty last week to armed robbery and 2 counts of kidnapping.
Meyers was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the Dec. 30, 2017 armed robbery at the Dollar General on Charleston Highway. Meyers and 2 accomplices went on to commit robberies at the Exxon on Elmwood Ave. in Richland County, the Waffle House on Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia, and the McDonalds on Garners Ferry Road.
Meyers' other charges were criminal conspiracy and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Meyers has been validated by the Lexington County Gang Unit as a gang member. He was out on bond when these robberies occurred.
Under South Carolina Law, Armed Robbery and Kidnapping are classified as violent and “no parole” offenses.