Markhel D’John Harris-Franklin, Possession of Ammunition by Armed Career Criminal, Minnesota 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found Markhel D’John Harris-Franklin guilty of a serious crime in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Harris-Franklin, a 28-year-old St. Paul man, was found guilty of one count of possession of ammunition as an armed career criminal. According to the evidence presented at trial, on July 12, 2022, law enforcement located Harris-Franklin at a supermarket and placed him under arrest. Inside his vehicle, officers found a loaded 9mm privately made handgun with an extended magazine on the floor behind the driver’s seat.

Because Harris-Franklin has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey, Dakota, and Anoka Counties, including aggravated robbery, theft, assault, and domestic violence, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the St. Paul Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the United States Marshal Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys LeeAnn K. Bell and Emily A. Polachek tried the case.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Harris-Franklin, who has multiple prior felony convictions, will face the full force of the law for his crime. As an armed career criminal, he is now facing serious consequences for his actions.

Harris-Franklin’s case is a prime example of the importance of law enforcement and their efforts to keep our communities safe. With the help of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the St. Paul Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the United States Marshal Service, Harris-Franklin was brought to justice.

The people of St. Paul can rest a little easier knowing that Harris-Franklin will face the consequences of his actions. The guilty verdict is a testament to the hard work and dedication of law enforcement in keeping our communities safe.

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