MINNEAPOLIS – Divaunte Kartrell Young, age 24, has been locked away for 180 months following a conviction for illegally wielding a firearm as a felon, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“Young’s violent actions are a stark reminder that career criminals do not dictate the course of justice in Minnesota,” Thompson stated. “The defendant terrorized his victim with a gun and attempted to evade responsibility through corruption, but justice caught up with him.”
In spring 2023, Young, who had recently met the victim, requested a lengthy car ride from Rochester to the Twin Cities. Refusing the request, Young revealed a concealed firearm and threatened to shoot the victim, leaving her scared and fleeing in fear. The incident triggered a physical reaction, as noted by the Court.
After the crime, officers found Young asleep with the gun in his possession. From behind bars, Young tried to manipulate the justice system, attempting to bribe and coerce the victim. His extensive criminal history includes convictions for domestic assault and robbery.
In March 2025, a federal jury confirmed Young’s guilt of being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced him to the maximum term, emphasizing the threat posed by firearms and the defendant’s disregard for the law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office hailed the bravery of the victim in this harrowing case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Rochester Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan B. Gilead, David B. Green, and Ruth S. Shnider handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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