Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the conviction of TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 24, on six counts of drug trafficking and firearm charges. Following a two-day bench trial before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota, MAURSTAD was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition. Sentencing will be scheduled on a later date.

MAURSTAD’s co-conspirator, MORNINGSTAR WEBSTER, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on March 6, 2019, before Judge Susan Richard Nelson and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on July 25, 2019.

"The defendant has a history of violent crime and possessing firearms," said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. "This case is another demonstration of how law enforcement is committed to working hand-in-hand to stop dangerous felons intent on bringing drugs into our communities."

As proven at trial, on August 4, 2016, MAURSTAD was pulled over in Morrison County for a traffic violation. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found a loaded .45 caliber handgun and three large plastic bags containing methamphetamine. MAURSTAD is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed the packages contained 334 grams of methamphetamine.

As proven at trial, on January 29, 2018, law enforcement pulled over a black Chrysler 300 for speeding. After MAURSTAD admitted possessing pain killers without a prescription, law enforcement searched the vehicle and found two packages containing 446 grams of methamphetamine.

As proven at trial, on February 13, 2018, federal law enforcement searched a storage unit rented by MAURSTAD. Law enforcement recovered a large quantity of ammunition and firearm accessories.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott are prosecuting the case.

Defendant Information:

TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 24

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

•  Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, 1 Count
•  Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, 2 Counts
•  Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, 1 Count
•  Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 1 Count
•  Felon in Possession of Ammunition, 1 Count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600