Red Lake Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm

MINNEAPOLIS—Today in federal court, a 49-year-old Red Lake man was sentenced for possessing with intent to distribute more than 2.5 kilograms of marijuana, as well as possessing a firearm in support of drug trafficking. United States District Chief Judge Michael J. Davis sentenced Keith Brian Donnell to 60 months and one day in prison on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Donnell, who was indicted on November 22, 2011, pleaded guilty on June 21, 2012.

Following today’s sentencing, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Bernard J. Zapor, St. Paul Field Division, said, “We are glad to be part of this teamwork in protecting our native communities.”

In his plea agreement, Donnell admitted that on April 14, 2011, he possessed with intent to distribute more than two kilograms of marijuana. The marijuana was found during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Officers found it packaged as five separate bricks. In addition, police found five firearms in the residence, including a .22-caliber rifle, and $12,622 in cash. Donnell admitted that he possessed the firearm for protection because of the inherent danger associated with selling marijuana.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Safe Trails and Paul Bunyan Drug task forces; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Red Lake Tribal Police Department; and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad.