ST. PAUL, Minn. – A shocking tale of gun crime has come to light in Anoka County, where a convicted felon has been sentenced to 72 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm.
Lewis Edward Byrd III, 46, was arrested on December 29, 2022, after a traffic stop by Coon Rapids Police Department officers. Byrd, who has prior felony convictions for first degree criminal sexual conduct, stalking, and false imprisonment, was taken into custody for violating his status as a predatory offender.
During the arrest, officers searched Byrd’s vehicle and found a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun hidden in a pillowcase behind the driver’s seat. Further investigation revealed that Byrd had purchased the firearm from a private seller just weeks prior to his arrest.
The private seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, confirmed the sale and stated that Byrd had lied about his felony status at the time of purchase.
Byrd’s prior convictions make him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition under federal law, adding to the severity of his crime.
Byrd pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon on May 8, 2023, and was subsequently sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Coon Rapids Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Javier Juan Valtierra, Illegal Firearm Possession, Minnesota 2024 · Alaska
- Muhnee Jaleel Bailey, Illegal Gun Possession, Minnesota 2022 · Alaska
- Dante Joseph Tyus, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Minnesota 2019 · Minnesota
- Jon Henri, Illegal Gun Possession, Minnesota 2024 · South Dakota
- Cortez Lamon Shipp, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Minnesota 2024 · Minnesota
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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