MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Cortez Ward, 20, of Maple Grove, is headed to federal prison for 30 months after being convicted of illegal possession of ammunition, a sentence handed down yesterday by Senior Judge David S. Doty. The case highlights a pattern of escalating firearm offenses for Ward and his brother, Quantez Ward, and raises questions about the effectiveness of probation in keeping dangerous weapons off the streets.
The trouble began in January 2022, when both Cortez and Quantez Ward were initially charged in Hennepin County District Court with possession of machineguns. They’d brazenly brought modified firearms – equipped with illegal “auto sears” (also known as switches) – to the funeral of a known gang member, effectively turning semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones. Despite these serious charges, both men pleaded guilty and were released on probation in the spring of 2022.
Just months later, on May 6, 2022, Maple Grove police pulled over the Ward brothers. This time, Cortez Ward was found carrying an unserialized Polymer 80 pistol – a ghost gun – loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition. Quantez Ward had an AK-style gun stashed in a backpack inside the vehicle. This wasn’t a one-off incident; a subsequent federal raid on July 19, 2022, at the Ward brothers’ residence turned up a cache of firearms, including a 9mm Ruger rifle, a H&K MP5 rifle, and another Polymer 80 pistol – complete with a switch.
Federal prosecutors didn’t hesitate to escalate the charges. Ward’s conviction underscores the ATF’s focus on repeat offenders and the illegal modification of firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp successfully argued that Ward posed a significant danger to the community, warranting a substantial prison sentence. The case serves as a warning to others attempting to circumvent gun laws.
Quantez Ward, 20, received a similar sentence on April 25, 2023: 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Both men will also be subject to three years of supervised release after completing their prison terms. The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Maple Grove Police Department.
This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to control illegal firearms and the consequences for those who repeatedly disregard the law. While the sentences offer some measure of justice, the question remains whether these terms are sufficient to prevent future offenses and protect the public from individuals like Cortez and Quantez Ward. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the impact of federal firearm enforcement in Minnesota.
Related Federal Cases
- Damien Hallmon, Illegal Ammo Possession, Minnesota 2023 · Minnesota
- Kevin Lynch, Illegal Gun Possession, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
- Quantez Ward, Illegal Firearms, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
- Marlin White, Illegal Gun Possession, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
- Lewis Edward Byrd III, Illegal Firearm Possession, MN 2022 · Illinois
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