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Fridley Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Ammunition
MINNEAPOLIS—A brazen act of defiance by a convicted felon has landed him in hot water with federal authorities. Yesterday, in a federal court in St. Paul, 22-year-old Raphael Eric Matthews pleaded guilty to possessing nine-millimeter, hollow-point ammunition.
According to court documents, Matthews was stopped for a traffic violation on June 13, 2013. A search of his jacket revealed the illicit ammunition, which he was prohibited from possessing due to his prior felony convictions.
Matthews, a resident of Fridley, was previously convicted of aggravated robbery in 2007 and simple robbery in 2012. His latest crime now puts him in danger of facing a lengthy prison sentence.
As a convicted felon, Matthews is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. His reckless disregard for this law has put him at odds with the Minneapolis Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Matthews’s plea agreement includes an admission of guilt for possessing the ammunition on January 31, 2013. His sentence will be determined by Judge Paul A. Magnuson at a future hearing.
Matthews faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison for his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Surya Saxena is prosecuting the case, which was brought to light through an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking federal laws and the importance of adhering to the terms of one’s probation or parole.
In a statement, the authorities emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need for individuals to respect the law and take responsibility for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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