DULUTH, MN – A search of a Duluth man’s home turned up more than just personal belongings. Jason Lamount Burns, 38, now admits to illegally possessing ammunition, a crime that could land him back behind bars. The case highlights the ongoing effort to keep firearms and ammo out of the hands of convicted felons.
According to court documents, Duluth Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Burns’ residence on July 26, 2021. Inside, tucked away on a shelf in his bedroom closet, they discovered a magazine loaded with 9mm ammunition. Burns, already carrying the weight of prior felony convictions, had no legal right to possess such items.
Federal law strictly prohibits individuals with felony records from owning firearms or ammunition – a rule Burns knowingly violated. The discovery triggered a joint investigation by the Duluth Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), quickly establishing probable cause for charges.
Yesterday, Burns appeared before Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court and entered a guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. While a sentencing date hasn’t been set, Burns now faces potential penalties for flouting federal firearms regulations. The specifics of that sentence will depend on a variety of factors, including his criminal history.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen is leading the prosecution, building a case based on the evidence collected during the July 2021 search. The ATF’s St. Paul Field Division played a crucial role in the investigation, providing resources and expertise to the Duluth Police Department.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly minor violations of federal gun laws can have serious consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it is scheduled. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Andrew M. Luger, remains committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally possess weapons and ammunition, putting public safety first.
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- Cortez Ward, Illegal Ammo Possession, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
- Troy Willoughby, Rifle Possession, MT 2023 · Montana
- Michael B. Hari, Machine Gun Possession, IL 2024 · Illinois
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