MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Twin brothers Quantez Demarco Ward, 19, and Cortez Demario Ward, 19, have both admitted to federal crimes related to illegal firearms and ammunition, according to court documents unsealed this week. The pair’s troubles with the law began earlier this year, spiraling into a federal investigation that culminated in guilty pleas.
The saga started in January of 2022 when the Wards were initially charged in Hennepin County District Court with possession of machineguns. Authorities discovered the brothers had modified firearms with “auto sears” – devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones, instantly categorizing them as illegal machineguns under federal law. While they pleaded guilty to those state charges in May and were released on probation, it was only a temporary reprieve.
Just weeks later, on May 6, 2022, Maple Grove police pulled over a vehicle containing Cortez Ward. A search revealed he was carrying a Polymer 80 pistol with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition. That stop triggered a federal investigation. On July 19, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at the Ward brothers’ residence. Inside, they uncovered a small armory: a 9mm Ruger rifle, a H&K .22 caliber rifle, and a Pioneer 7.26mm pistol were all seized.
Yesterday, Quantez Ward entered a guilty plea before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court, admitting to one count of possession of a firearm as a felon. The charge stems directly from the firearms recovered during the July 19 raid. His brother, Cortez Ward, had already pleaded guilty on October 25, 2022, before Senior Judge David S. Doty, to one count of possession of ammunition as a felon, linked to the loaded pistol found during the May traffic stop.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Maple Grove Police Department. Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Middlecamp, secured the guilty pleas, suggesting a strong case against the brothers. Sentencing dates for both Quantez and Cortez Ward will be determined at a later time. The Wards now face the prospect of federal prison time for their repeated run-ins with the law.
This case underscores the ATF’s ongoing commitment to cracking down on illegal firearms trafficking and holding accountable those who possess weapons while prohibited by law. The discovery of modified firearms and high-capacity magazines adds another layer of concern, highlighting the potential for these weapons to be used in violent crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as sentencing approaches.
Related Federal Cases
- Cortez Ward, Illegal Ammo Possession, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Illinois
- Quantez Ward, Illegal Firearms, Minneapolis MN, 2023 · Minnesota
- Justin Cutbank, Illegal Firearm Possession, Minnesota 2024 · Illinois
- Benjamin Zwack, Illegal Machineguns, Minnesota 2023 · Minnesota
- Damien Hallmon, Illegal Ammo Possession, Minnesota 2023 · Minnesota
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