Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
West St. Paul Felon Charged With Drug Trafficking, Firearms Violations
MINNEAPOLIS – A West St. Paul man has been indicted for cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking and firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
According to court documents, on two separate occasions between January 2021 and May 2022, Christopher Allen Stengle, 32, possessed quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine as well as two semiautomatic pistols. Because Stengle has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey, Anoka, and Washington Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Stengle is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, and two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon. Stengle, who appeared in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung, will remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Eagan Police Department, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan B. Gilead is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.