Brian Lamont Sweeney, Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, North Dakota 2014

Minot, North Dakota – In a shocking turn of events, 47-year-old Brian Lamont Sweeney has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Sweeney was convicted of the charge by a federal jury on June 19, 2014. Judge Daniel L. Hovland handed down the sentence on November 7, 2014, following a lengthy investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Minot Police Department, the Ward County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – Parole and Probation Services.

The case against Sweeney began on October 14, 2013, when he was stopped for a traffic violation in Minot. Law enforcement officials smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, leading to a search that uncovered a loaded .380 caliber handgun.

Sweeney, who was on probation with the State of North Dakota at the time of the offense, was prohibited from possessing either a firearm or ammunition due to multiple felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case, bringing Sweeney to justice for his egregious crime. The sentence also includes three years of supervised release, with Sweeney ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.

The sentencing of Brian Lamont Sweeney serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating federal firearms laws. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from individuals who choose to disregard these laws.

The investigation into Sweeney’s activities was a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, demonstrating the importance of interagency cooperation in combating crime.

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