Andre Garner, Fentanyl Possession with Intent to Distribute, Minnesota 2023

A Minneapolis man, Andre Garner, 42, has been sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentence was handed down by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell in U.S. District Court.

According to court documents, on January 24, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the South Minneapolis residence of Garner and recovered almost 800 grams of fentanyl in a van registered to Garner. During their search, law enforcement also recovered over 1,000 grams of cocaine, two firearms, and $9,400 in cash.

Garner admitted that he told law enforcement that anything they found was his, including the money and the van, as part of his guilty plea. This admission was a key factor in the sentencing, demonstrating the defendant’s involvement in the crime.

The investigation that led to Garner’s sentencing was a joint effort between the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Hennepin County Violent Offender Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary A. Taylor and William C. Mattessich prosecuted the case.

The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of the crime. Fentanyl is a highly addictive and deadly substance, and the distribution of large quantities of it poses a significant threat to public safety. The fact that Garner possessed over 800 grams of fentanyl, in addition to other illicit substances and firearms, highlights the scope of his involvement in the crime.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking in Minnesota. The sentencing of Garner is a significant victory in this effort, and it demonstrates the commitment of the federal government to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in these crimes.

As a result of the investigation, Garner pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on December 18, 2023. The sentence handed down by Judge Blackwell reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need for accountability.