ST. PAUL, MN – Geraldo Jay Dilworth, 35, is heading to federal prison for fifteen years after being caught with a loaded weapon despite a lengthy rap sheet that already disqualifies him from owning any firearms. Dilworth was sentenced on March 14, 2023, by Senior Judge Susan Richard Nelson, following a guilty plea entered on November 1, 2022.
The bust went down on March 17, 2022, at the Union Depot Station in St. Paul. Transit authorities spotted Dilworth carrying a Springfield Armory .45 caliber pistol while attempting to board a train. A quick check revealed a troubling history: multiple felony convictions in both Ramsey and Washington Counties, including charges of domestic assault and making terroristic threats. Federal law is clear – those convictions permanently bar him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Dilworth was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm as an Armed Career Criminal, a designation that carries a significantly harsher penalty due to his prior record. Prosecutors successfully argued that Dilworth’s history demonstrated a clear pattern of violent behavior, making him a danger to the public. The fifteen-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Paul Police Department. Agents and officers worked together to gather evidence and build a solid case against Dilworth, ultimately leading to his conviction and lengthy prison term. Sources close to the investigation indicate Dilworth has a history of run-ins with law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso led the prosecution, presenting a compelling case to Judge Nelson. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, headed by Andrew M. Luger, has made firearm offenses a priority, focusing on taking dangerous criminals off the streets and reducing gun violence in the region. Dilworth will also face five years of supervised release following his fifteen-year sentence.
This case serves as a stark reminder that illegally possessing a firearm, especially with a prior criminal record, carries severe consequences. The ATF and local law enforcement continue to aggressively pursue these cases, working to ensure that those who violate federal gun laws are held accountable for their actions. The investigation remains open, with authorities exploring potential connections to other criminal activity.
Related Federal Cases
- Jordan Alexander, Illegal Gun Possession, Washington DC, 2024 · Maryland
- Jason Kearns, Illegal Firearms, Minnesota 2023 · Washington
- Guy George Parenteau, Firearms Burglary, MT, 2013 · Montana
- Delonta Phillips, High-Speed Pursuit, DC 2017 · Maryland
- Randall Dean Jones, Sawed-Off Shotgun Possession, MN 2023 · North Dakota
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