De’Voncea Griffo, Illegal Firearm, St. Paul MN, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – De’Voncea Lashoun Griffo, 24, of St. Paul, is headed to federal prison for over three years after being caught with a heavily modified handgun despite a previous felony conviction. The sentence, handed down today in U.S. District Court, reflects the escalating crackdown on illegal firearm possession in the Twin Cities.

According to court documents, St. Paul Police officers were surveilling Griffo’s apartment on March 7, 2023, as part of an ongoing investigation. They watched as he left, sporting a cross-body bag, and entered a Chevrolet Equinox. A subsequent traffic stop in a thrift store parking lot quickly turned up heat. Griffo immediately ditched the bag behind the center console, raising immediate suspicion.

A search of the vehicle revealed a .45 caliber Glock pistol tucked inside the cross-body bag. But this wasn’t just any handgun. The weapon had been illegally modified with an “auto sear” – commonly known as a switch – turning the semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic one. The gun also sported an extended magazine loaded with a staggering 23 rounds of ammunition, a clear indication of intent to inflict serious harm.

Because of a prior felony conviction, Griffo was legally barred from owning any firearms or ammunition. Federal law doesn’t mess around with repeat offenders, and this case is a stark reminder of that. He pleaded guilty on July 18, 2023, to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon, acknowledging his illegal activity.

Judge Michael J. Davis sentenced Griffo to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The case was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Paul Police Department, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation in combating gun violence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary A. Taylor prosecuted the case.

The ATF’s St. Paul Field Division led the investigation. This conviction sends a clear message: those who illegally possess firearms, especially with dangerous modifications, will face serious federal consequences. Griffo’s actions put the community at risk, and his lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of his crime.

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