Felon Indicted for Possessing Firearms, Ammunition

MINNEAPOLIS — Recently in federal court, a 30–year–old felon was indicted for possessing a nine–millimeter pistol and a .22–caliber rifle. On June 5, 2012, Richard Handsome Carter was charged with three counts of being a felon in possession. Carter was apprehended yesterday and had his initial appearance earlier today.

The indictment alleges that on April 12, 2012, Carter possessed the semi–automatic pistol and semi–automatic rifle, as well as 42 rounds of nine–millimeter ammunition. In addition, the pistol contained eight rounds of ammunition. Because he is a felon, Carter is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time. His prior Dakota County convictions include terroristic threats (2002), second–degree assault with a deadly weapon (2003), and domestic assault by strangulation (2008).

Since those offenses constitute crimes of violence, sentencing in the current federal case, if Carter is found guilty, will be subject to the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. That act mandates a minimum of 15 years in prison for anyone convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm if that person has at least three prior state or federal convictions for crimes of violence or serious drug crimes. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the St. Paul Police Department; and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey M. Bryan.

Note, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive, strategic approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN, launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2001, encourages cooperative, multi–jurisdictional law enforcement and crime prevention efforts.

St. Paul Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearms, Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 32-year-old felon from St. Paul was sentenced for possessing a .40-caliber, semi-automatic pistol along with 27.8 grams of methamphetamine on January 14, 2011. United States District Court Judge David S. Doty sentenced Lee Pao Vue to 108 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Vue was indicted on February 15, 2011, and pleaded guilty on May 24, 2011.

In his plea agreement, Vue admitted that on January 14, 2011, he possessed with intent to distribute the methamphetamine. On that date, he also admittedly sold the pistol. In addition, Vue admitted responsibility for between 20 and 50 grams of methamphetamine. A law enforcement affidavit filed in the case states that in early 2011, authorities learned that Vue was selling firearms and methamphetamine. Subsequently, at a St. Paul stash house, Vue sold one ounce of methamphetamine and a .40-caliber pistol to authorities during a controlled buy. Following the transaction, police stopped Vue’s vehicle and arrested him. They recovered the money used to purchase both the gun and the drugs. They also found some methamphetamine in his jacket pocket.

Because he is a convicted felon, Vue is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. His past felony convictions include fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, occurring twice in 2005, and second-degree possession of a controlled substance in 2007. All three convictions were obtained in Ramsey County.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Paul Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad.

Note, the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi-jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention partnerships that are working to make our streets and communities safer.

Minneapolis Man Sentenced for Robbing St. Paul Bank

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 55-year-old Minneapolis man was sentenced for robbing a St. Paul bank. United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced Michael Lewis Johnson to 30 months in prison on one count of bank robbery. Johnson was indicted on April 20, 2011, and pleaded guilty on June 16, 2011. In his plea agreement, Johnson admitted stealing $4,255 from the Wells Fargo Bank at 2145 Ford Parkway.

According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, a man, later identified as Johnson, walked into the Wells Fargo bank at 4:00 p.m. on April 5, 2011. He stood next to the kiosk where customers fill out bank forms for about ten to fifteen minutes. Then, he approached a teller, handed her a note, and said, “We’ve got a problem here.” The note, which was written on an ATM deposit envelope, stated, “you’re being robbed.” He instructed the teller to place money on the counter, which the teller did.

The robber then flipped through the stacks of money before putting them in a plastic shopping bag and walking out the bank. Video surveillance at the bank and nearby businesses recorded the robber. Those surveillance tapes were used to identify Johnson, who was arrested on April 6, 2011, at his residence. During the execution of a search warrant at Johnson’s home, police seized cash in the basement as well as clothing that matched what was worn by the robber.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minneapolis Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew S. Dunne and Bahram Samie.

Woman Indicted for Robbing Guaranty Bank in Roseville

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 50-year-old woman was indicted for the September 14, 2010, robbery of the Guaranty Bank in Roseville. Michelle Lynn Matthew, no known address, was charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on September 14, Matthew stole approximately $3,313 from the bank.

If convicted, Matthew faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Roseville Police Department, and the St. Paul Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lola Velazquez-Aguilu.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

St. Paul Felon Sentenced for Possessing a .357 Revolver

Earlier today in federal court in Minneapolis, a 30–year–old felon from St. Paul was sentenced for possessing a .357 revolver on May 13, 2010. United States District Court Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced Glenn Dale Acon, Jr. to 65 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acon was indicted on June 8, 2010, and pleaded guilty on December 9, 2010.

In his plea agreement, Acon admitted possessing the handgun. On May 13, 2010, police responded to a 911 call regarding a gun pointing and assault incident at a St. Paul residence. Police determined that it was Acon who brandished the weapon. After brandishing the handgun, Acon fled the area in a Buick. Officers followed the vehicle, stopped it in an alley and arrested Acon. The vehicle’s passenger fled, but was also arrested after a brief foot chase. During the passenger’s arrest, he dropped a .357 revolver.

Because he is a felon, Acon is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm at any time. Acon’s prior felonies include a conviction in Ramsey County in 2005 for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

This case was the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.

Note, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN), an initiative launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi–jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention partnerships that are working to make our streets and communities safer.

St. Paul Felon Sentenced for Possessing a .38 Caliber Revolver

Earlier today in federal court in Minneapolis, a 21–year–old felon from St. Paul was sentenced for possessing a .38 caliber revolver on January 29, 2010. United States District Court Judge Ann D. Montgomery sentenced Jerel Valdez Martin to 66 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Martin was indicted on July 6, 2010, and pleaded guilty on January 27, 2011.

In his plea agreement, Martin admitted to possessing the revolver. On January 29, Martin was in a car with three other people when it was stopped by police following a report that one of the passengers was involved in a domestic assault. The gun was found under Martin’s seat. Because he is a felon, Martin is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm at any time. Martin’s prior felonies include a conviction in Hennepin County in 2005 for aggravated first–degree robbery and a conviction in Ramsey County in 2008 for third–degree sale of a controlled substance.

This case was the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie E. Allyn.

Note, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), an initiative launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi–jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention partnerships that are working to make our streets and communities safer.

Minneapolis Man Indicted for Robbing Two St. Paul Banks

Earlier today in federal court in Minneapolis, a 54-year-old Minneapolis man was indicted for robbing two St. Paul banks earlier this year. The indictment charges Michael Lewis Johnson with two counts of bank robbery.

The indictment alleges that on April 5, 2011, Johnson stole $4,255 from the Wells Fargo Bank at 2145 Ford Parkway. It also alleges that on February 2, 2011, he stole $4,839 from the TCF Bank at 2163 Ford Parkway. According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, a man, later identified as Johnson, walked into the Wells Fargo bank at 4 p.m. on April 5, 2011. He stood next to the kiosk where customers fill out bank forms for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, he allegedly approached a teller, handed her a note, and said, “We’ve got a problem here.” The note, which was written on an ATM deposit envelope, stated, “you’re being robbed.” He instructed the teller to place money on the counter, which the teller did.

The robber then allegedly flipped through the stacks of money before putting them in a plastic shopping bag and walking out the bank. Video surveillance at the bank and nearby businesses recorded the robber. Those surveillance tapes were used to identify Johnson, who was arrested on April 6, 2011, at his residence. During the execution of a search warrant at Johnson’s home, police seized cash in the basement as well as clothing that matched what was worn by the robber.

If convicted, Johnson faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Paul Police Department, and the Minneapolis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew S. Dunne and Bahram Samie.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

St. Paul Man Sentenced to 187 Months in Prison for Robbing Park Midway Bank

Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 57-year-old St. Paul man was sentenced in connection with the August 4, 2010, armed robbery of the Park Midway Bank, on

Como Avenue

, in St. Paul. United States District Court Judge Richard H. Kyle sentenced Robert Lee Russell, Jr., to 151 months in prison on one count of armed bank robbery. Moreover, Russell was ordered to serve an additional 36 months for violating the terms of federal supervised release relative to a previous crime when he committed this robbery. Russell was indicted on September 9, 2010, and pleaded guilty on January 10, 2011. In his plea agreement, Russell admitted stealing $1,457 from the bank and putting the life of another person in jeopardy by using a firearm during the robbery.

According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, the bank was robbed at 2:30 p.m. on August 4. The robber, later identified as Russell, walked into the building while pulling a mask down over his face and waving a handgun. After demanding and receiving money, he ordered a teller to leave with him. The teller complied, but once outside, the robber fled alone. Immediately, a bank security guard checked on the teller and then pursued the robber, who fired his gun at least one time at the guard.

Two nearby Xcel Energy employees in a company truck observed the chase and saw the robber get into a Dodge Caravan. As they pulled along side the van, they also saw that the robber was holding a handgun. The van, however, then sped away.

A short time later, police spoke with the owner of the van, who reported that Russell had borrowed it earlier in the day. Officers also learned that Russell had purchased some clothes and a backpack at a Stillwater Wal-Mart right after the robbery. The officers subsequently recovered from that store two bait bills obtained by the robber during the heist.

Just after midnight on August 5, the Wisconsin State Patrol reported responding to a motor vehicle crash involving the same Dodge Caravan. At the scene of the accident, Russell was found and arrested for bank robbery. An initial search of the vehicle yielded $1,361 in cash inside the recently purchased backpack.

This case was the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Dunne.

Felon Sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal for Possessing a .40 Caliber Handgun

Earlier today in federal court in Minneapolis, a 30-year-old felon from St. Paul was sentenced as an armed career criminal for possessing a Glock .40 caliber handgun. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen sentenced Laquan Traveon Fair to 180 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Fair was indicted on May 11, 2010, and pleaded guilty on November 8, 2010.

In his plea agreement, Fair admitted that he possessed the gun on March 11, 2010. Authorities began investigating Fair on March 10, after learning he was distributing cocaine.

Law enforcement made controlled purchases of the drug on March 10 and again on March 11. During the second purchase, Fair was arrested, and authorities discovered the weapon and other contraband.

Because he is a felon, Fair is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. Fair’s prior convictions include third-degree sale of narcotics (1999), felony domestic assault (2005), and first-degree burglary (2005). Since these convictions were for crimes of violence or serious drug offenses, Fair was subject to the federal armed career criminal statute when he was sentenced. That statute mandates a 15-year minimum prison sentence.

This case was the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.

Note, the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi-jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention partnerships that are working to make our streets and communities safer.

St. Paul Man Indicted on 14 Counts of Producing Child Pornography

A 42-year-old St. Paul man was indicted earlier today in federal court in St. Paul for allegedly photographing and filming pornographic images of three girls and one boy who were under the age of 10 at the time. Mark Allen Busse was specifically charged with 14 counts of production of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that on 14 occasions between July 24, 2006, and April 20, 2008, Busse coerced three girls and one boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. Busse allegedly used a Sony video camera and a Canon PowerShot camera. The first victim was filmed twice on July 24, 2006. The second victim was photographed on February 9, April 5, and March 7, 2008. The third victim was photographed twice on March 2 and once on March 7 and March 8, 2008. The fourth victim was photographed five times on April 20, 2008.

If convicted, Busse faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years in federal prison on each count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, both of which are affiliates of the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly M. Hare.

The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to combating the sexual exploitation of children. For more information about these efforts, visit the Department’s Project Safe Childhood website, at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.

Seeking Information on Bank Robbery in St. Paul

On February 9, 2011, at approximately 9:51 a.m., the U.S. Bank branch located at

1959 Burns Avenue

in St. Paul, Minnesota, was robbed by a lone masked man. The robber entered the branch and walked up to a teller window. He made a verbal threat to a teller, demanding money from the teller. He told the teller at one point that he wanted more money, or he would shoot her. No weapon was actually observed. The robber was provided with an undisclosed amount of cash, which he put into a dark-colored zippered bank bag. He then left the bank on foot.

The robber is described as a white male, about 6'0" tall with a medium build. He is believed to be in his 20s or 30s. He wore a black coat with buttons on the front, a black ski mask, dark-colored ski cap, and black gloves. He is also believed to be responsible for the bank robbery at the Central Bank branch located at

2120 Hennepin Avenue South

in Minneapolis that occurred on Friday, February 4, 2011.

Ralph S. Boelter, Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Office of the FBI, requests that anyone with information regarding these bank robberies contact the Minneapolis FBI at 612-376-3200, the St. Paul or Minneapolis Police Departments, or Crime Stoppers.

Robbery of TCF Bank Branch in St. Paul

On February 2, 2011, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the TCF Bank branch located at

2163 Ford Parkway

in St. Paul, Minnesota, was robbed by a lone man. The suspect entered the bank and proceeded to the teller counter. The suspect implied that he had a gun in a paper bag. He also made a verbal demand to the teller and passed the teller a demand note. He was provided with an undisclosed amount of cash and left the bank on foot carrying the money in a white bag.

The suspect was described as a white male, about 5’8” to 5’11” tall, and heavy set. He wore a tan coat, light blue shirt, blue and black ski hat, dark sunglasses, and white sneakers. He is believed to be in his 40s or 50s.

Ralph S. Boelter, Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Office of the FBI, requests that anyone with information regarding the bank robbery contact the Minneapolis FBI at 612-376-3200, the St. Paul Police Department, or Crime Stoppers.

St. Paul Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking a Minor

Earlier today, a 28-year-old St. Paul man was sentenced in federal court in St. Paul for transporting a girl from Minnesota to Illinois for the purpose of having her commit commercial sex acts. United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced Byronte Juwann Reed, also known as Santana, to 180 months in prison on one count of the sex trafficking of a minor. Reed was indicted on June 9, 2009, and pleaded guilty on October 13, 2010.

In his plea agreement, Reed admitted meeting the victim, who was younger than 18, in June of 2008, and recruiting her to commit sexual acts in exchange for money. From June of 2008 through July of 2008, the girl lived with Reed and others so she could participate in the commercial sex trade. Reed also admitted transporting the girl from Minneapolis to Chicago, Illinois, in order for her to engage in commercial sex. In addition, Reed agreed that physical force was used to ensure that the victim would participate in the sexual activity.

Following today's sentencing, St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith said, "This investigation was the result of the strong, ongoing partnerships developed by the St. Paul Police Department's Gerald D. Vick Human Trafficking Task Force. Working closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, the task force and its partners were able to successfully prosecute this individual." The investigation of this case was also assisted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the Chicago Police Department. It was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LeeAnn K. Bell.

The Gerald D. Vick Human Trafficking Task Force was named for the slain St. Paul police officer who dedicated his professional life to eradicating the trafficking and prostitution of people. The task force was established with federal funds and is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the police departments of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the sheriff's offices of Hennepin and Ramsey counties, and other agencies.