St. Paul Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from flickr user akeg
Welcome to ATF’s St. Paul Field Division. From the pristine Lake Michigan shores of Wisconsin, extending west through Minnesota’s “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and continuing to the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, the St. Paul Field Division has a large geographic area of responsibility. Our dedicated work force is comprised of special agents, investigators, auditors, technicians and support staff.
ATF’s St. Paul Field Division special agents combat firearms violence by focusing their investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, career criminals, gun traffickers and gangs. We also work in partnership with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the field division to accomplish this mission. Some of our more notable investigations have been the Outlaws motorcycle gang, the Tre-Tre Crips and the Detroit Boys street gangs.
Employees of the ATF St. Paul Field Division are also very proactive in investigating violations of federal law pertaining to arson and explosives. Our high success rate of these investigations is a direct correlation of our close working relationship with the state and local fire departments and police bomb squads.
ATF also has the duty of regulating the firearms and explosives industries. Our industry operations investigators work to ensure that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled and sold in a safe manner according to law.
We encourage all residents to get involved and assist us in our goal of reducing crime in our communities. Give us a call and let us know what we can do for you. Our phone number is (651) 726-0200.
Scott D. Sweetow
Division Management Team
- Scott D. Sweetow
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Alden J. Fry
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Jeffrey A. Magee
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Mary Jo Hughes
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Robert M. Schmidt
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive St. Paul Press Release Updates
Federal Jury Convicts Coon Rapids Man of Shipping Firearms to Liberia
Feburary 14, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a jury found a 38–year–old Coon Rapids man guilty of transporting firearms to his home country of Liberia. McHarding Degan Galimah, who was indicted on August 22, 2012, was specifically convicted of one count of smuggling firearms from the United States to Liberia.. More »
Interior Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Feburary 14, 2013
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Gerald Baker, Sr., age 27, of Interior, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on February 8, 2013 and pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. More »
Wessington Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge
Feburary 14, 2013
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jonathan Tyrrell, age 53, of Wessington Springs, South Dakota appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on February 12, 2013 and pled guilty to Count I of the Indictment that charged him with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. More »
Madison Man Sentenced to Five Years for Distributing Crack Cocaine
Feburary 13, 2013
Madison, Wis. – John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Milton L. Moore, 22, Madison, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of crack cocaine. Moore pleaded guilty to this charge on November 28, 2012. More »
Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge
Feburary 7, 2013
Mission, SD — United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Gary Joe Emery, age 27, of Mission, South Dakota appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on February 6, 2013 and pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment. More »
Blaine Man Sentenced For The Armed Robbery Of A Carver County Convenience Store
Feburary 7, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – Yesterday in federal court, a 28-year-old Blaine man was sentenced for committing the December 3, 2011, armed robbery of a convenience store in Mayer, Minnesota. United States District Court Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced Demetrius Charles Edward Derden to 170 months in federal prison on one count of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act. Derden was indicted on January 10, 2012, and pleaded guilty on August 24, 2012. More »
Redby Man Pleads Guilty to Harboring a Fugitive
Feburary 06, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court, a 23-year-old Redby man pleaded guilty to harboring a fugitive last spring. Andrew Oakgrove pleaded guilty to one count of harboring and concealing a fugitive. Oakgrove, who was indicted on December 10, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge John R. Tunheim. More »
Fridley Man Indicted in Connection With The Armed Robbery of two Twin Cities-Area Shoe Stores
Feburary 06, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – Yesterday in federal court, a 41-year-old Fridley man was indicted in connection with the armed robbery of two Twin Cities-area shoe stores in early January. Peter Christopher Nunn was charged with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act. More »
Rochester Woman Sentenced for Role in an Armed Robbery
Feburary 06, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court, a 30-year-old Rochester woman was sentenced for her role during an armed robbery at a McDonald's in Byron, Minnesota. United States District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank sentenced Quiana Shaneea Evans to 130 months in federal prison on one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the use, carrying, possessing, and discharging of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Evans was indicted on May 21, 2012, and pleaded guilty on October 2, 2012. More »
St. Paul Felon Sentenced for Possessing a 12–Gauge Shotgun
Feburary 05, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a 25–year–old felon from St. Paul was sentenced for possessing an unregistered 12–gauge shotgun. United States District Court Judge David S. Doty sentenced Michael Romeo Geraci to 120 months in prison on one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. Geraci was indicted on May 22, 2012, and pleaded guilty on September 6, 2012. More »
Crosby Felon Indicted for Possessing a Pistol and Drugs
Feburary 05, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — A federal indictment filed yesterday charges a 32–year-old felon from the northern Minnesota community of Crosby with possessing a .40–caliber, semi-automatic pistol along with approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Zachari Allen Kozar was specifically charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and crack cocaine, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug–trafficking crime. More »
Maplewood Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing .32–Caliber Revolver
Feburary 04, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 35–year–old felon from Maplewood pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded .32–caliber revolver. Derek Lee Preston pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Preston, who was indicted on April 12, 2011, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank. More »
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments
January 31, 2013
Madison, Wisconsin — A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments yesterday. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. More »
St. Paul Felon Sentenced for Possessing a .357–Revolver
January 30, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 29–year–old St. Paul felon was sentenced for possessing a .357–caliber revolver. United States District Court Judge Susan Richard Nelson sentenced Richard Alonzo Woods to 77 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Woods was indicted on May 15, 2012, and pleaded guilty on July 27, 2012. More »
Minneapolis man pleads guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances
January 24, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 38-year-old Minneapolis man pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, and the semisynthetic psychedelic drug MDPV, commonly known as ecstasy. Antoine Kenyetta Poole specifically pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Poole, who was indicted along with Jermaine Aquarius Edison on September 11, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank. On December 18, 2012, Edison, age 40, also of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. More »
Minneapolis Felon Sentenced for Possessing a .32–Caliber Pistol
January 22, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a 34–year–old Minneapolis felon was sentenced for possessing a .32–caliber pistol. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen sentenced Bryant Duane Griffin to 240 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Griffin was indicted on May 15, 2012, and was convicted on September 14, 2012. More »
ATF Announces Command Change – St. Paul Field Division
January 22, 2013
ST. PAUL, Minn – The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF), St. Paul Field Division, announces the appointment of Scott D. Sweetow as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the St. Paul Field Division beginning in January 2013. Sweetow will be responsible for "ATF operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. More »
Career Criminal Sentenced for Possessing .38–Caliber Revolver
January 18, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a 25–year–old career criminal was sentenced for possessing a .38–caliber revolver. United States District Court Judge Ann D. Montgomery sentenced Lewis Pate, no known address, to 200 months in prison on one count of possession of a firearm by a career criminal. Pate was indicted on May 8, 2012, and was convicted on August 15, 2012. More »
St. Paul Felon Indicted for Possessing .22–Caliber Revolver, Ammunition, Methamphetamine
January 17, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Recently in federal court, a 25–year–old St. Paul felon was indicted for possessing a .22–caliber revolver, ammunition, and methamphetamine. On January 15, 2013, Christopher Lee Rousseau was charged with one count of being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm, one count of being an armed career criminal in possession of ammunition, one count of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug–trafficking crime, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. More »
Minneapolis Man Indicted for Armed Robbery of Three Convenience Stores and a Jimmy John’s
January 16, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a 26–year–old Minneapolis man was indicted in connection with the armed robbery of three Twin–Cities area convenience stores and on two separate occasions, the same Jimmy John’s sandwich shop. Derrel Johon Pruitt was charged with five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act, five counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. More »
Federal Jury Convicts Felon of Possessing a Nine–Millimeter Pistol
January 16, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a jury found a St. Paul man guilty of being a felon in possession of a nine–millimeter, semi–automatic pistol. Demetrius Demarco Spencer, age unknown, was convicted on one count. He was indicted on November 14, 2012. More »
Man Sentenced for the Armed Robbery of a Bemidji Convenience Store
January 16, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court in Duluth, a 22–year–old man was sentenced for committing the December 30, 2011, armed robbery of Newby’s Market in Bemidji. United States District Court Judge Richard H. Kyle sentenced Jason Lee King, no known address, to 132 months in federal prison on one count of interference with commerce by robbery, pursuant to the Hobbs Act, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. King was indicted on April 3, 2012, and pleaded guilty on June 11, 2012. More »
Fitchburg Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Illegally Possessing Firearms
January 16, 2013
Madison, Wis. — John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Juan M. Gonzalez–Ruiz, 36, Fitchburg, Wis., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 37 months in prison, without parole, for possessing firearms as a felon. Gonzalez–Ruiz pleaded guilty to this charge on August 7, 2012. More »
Felon From Aurora, Minnesota, Sentenced for Possessing a 20-Gauge Shotgun
January 14, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court, a 34-year-old felon from the northeastern Minnesota community of Aurora was sentenced for possessing a 20-gauge shotgun. United States District Court Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced John Joseph Douglas to 240 months in federal prison on one count of being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm. Douglas was indicted on this charge on October 4, 2011, and convicted on February 10, 2012, following trial. More »
Career Criminal Sentenced for Possessing a Nine-Millimeter Pistol
January 14, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court, a 45-year-old career criminal was sentenced for possessing a nine-millimeter pistol. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen sentenced Michael Dennis Stanke, of Lino Lakes, to 180 months in prison on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stanke was indicted on June 11, 2012, and pleaded guilty on August 9, 2012. More »
Minneapolis Felon Indicted for Possessing .40–Caliber Pistol
January 9, 2013
MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 36–year–old Minneapolis felon was indicted for possessing a .40–caliber, semi–automatic pistol. Demario Kentrell Booker was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. More »
Madison Man Sentenced to Five Years for Gun Crime
January 9, 2013
Madison, Wis. — John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Timothy Baumann, 27, Madison, Wis., was sentenced on January 7, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Baumann pleaded guilty to this charge on November 6, 2012. More »
Madison Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm
January 9, 2013
Madison, Wis. — John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christopher Carthans, 24, Madison, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb to five years in prison, followed by a three–year term of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Carthans pleaded guilty to this charge on October 16, 2012. More »
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments
January 9, 2013
Madison, Wisconsin — A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. More »
McLaughlin Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession Charge
January 3, 2013
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jess Porras, age 52, of McLaughlin, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on January 2, 2013, and pled guilty to Count I of an Indictment that charged him with being a Felon In Possession of a Firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, and a period of supervised release of 3 years. More »