MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A Maple Grove man, Derrick Maurice Scott, 34, is staring down a minimum of 30 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of trafficking fentanyl pills and illegally possessing a machine gun, according to federal prosecutors. The verdict came after a two-day trial presided over by Senior U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen.
Scott was found guilty on one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of carrying a machinegun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a machinegun, and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger didn’t mince words, stating Scott has a “long and violent criminal history,” and that his threats to continue criminal activity upon release were “badly misplaced.” Scott reportedly told law enforcement he’d be “still be the king and he will get another switch” after serving his time.
The bust originated from a Minneapolis Police Department investigation into a reported threat Scott made at a convenience store, where he allegedly brandished a firearm. Two days later, on June 4, 2022, officers pulled over a vehicle carrying Scott. A search revealed 355 fentanyl pills and a Glock 41, .45 caliber pistol modified with an illegal “auto-sear” – a device that converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine gun – along with a high-capacity magazine. The combination of deadly drugs and a fully automatic weapon paints a clear picture of Scott’s intent, according to authorities.
“Derrick Scott’s bad acts caused significant harm in our communities,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara in a statement. “His disregard for human life required swift and significant consequences.” ATF Special Agent in Charge William McCrary of the St. Paul Field Division echoed that sentiment, stating that drug dealers using auto-sears are “doing severe damage” and must be held accountable. McCrary emphasized that Scott’s willingness to use violence with these devices warranted a lengthy removal from society.
The case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Hollenhorst and Chelsea A. Walcker successfully prosecuted the case, presenting evidence that linked Scott directly to the fentanyl pills and the illegally modified firearm. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, but under federal guidelines, Scott faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years behind bars.
This conviction sends a strong message, authorities say, that the combination of drug trafficking and illegal weaponry will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as sentencing approaches and will report on any further developments. The investigation highlights the ongoing struggle to combat both the fentanyl crisis and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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