Champlin Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms

MINNEAPOLIS—Today in federal court, a 21-year-old Champlin felon pleaded guilty to possessing a nine-millimeter pistol and a .44-caliber revolver. Deandre Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Franklin, who was indicted on July 23, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Chief Judge Michael J. Davis.

In his plea agreement, Franklin admitted that on January 2, 2012, he traveled with two women to Bill’s Gun Shop in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. The women purchased .44-caliber ammo, 9mm ammo, and magazines. Minneapolis police stopped their car in North Minneapolis and found two firearms in the vehicle: a Glock 9mm pistol and a Charter Arms .44-caliber revolver. The police found one gun on Franklin and the other gun under his seat.

Because he is a felon, Franklin is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms at any time. He was previously convicted of second-degree drug possession in Hennepin County in 2011.

For his offense, Franklin faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Judge Davis will determine his sentence at a future hearing, not yet scheduled.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Safe Streets Task Force. Safe Streets is a FBI-sponsored task force that focuses on combating violent street crime as well as gang and drug trafficking offenses. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LeeAnn K. Bell.