City man gets prison term for assault, gang activity

YOUNGSTOWN — A city man will spend five years in prison for shooting two people on the South Side in 2009 while participating in gang activity.

Wayne Kerns, 20, of Volney Road, appeared today before Judge John Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing on two counts of felonious assault, each with gang specifications. Kerns had reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in late January.

Jennifer McLaughlin, an assistant county prosecutor, told the court Kerns has been free on bond, but has been charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana while waiting on resolution of the felonious assault charges.

McLaughlin said prosecutors have photos of Kerns and other men using gang signs and other activity associated with the gang. She recommended a five-year sentence for Kerns.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com