Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Minneapolis Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and court documents, on July 18, 2022, Javier Juan Valtierra, 31, possessed a Smith & Wesson, M&P Bodyguard 380, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Officers of the Minneapolis Police Department were called to the scene of the vehicle following calls that Valtierra and another individual were unconscious inside the vehicle. Officers found the firearm in Valtierra’s pocket. Officers also found baggies of cocaine and methamphetamine on Valtierra and in the car.
Valtierra pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen is prosecuting the case.
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