A Rochester man, Divaunte Kartrell Young, has been convicted by a federal jury for illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced. This decision follows incidents that occurred from March 18-19, 2023.
During the trial, court documents revealed that Young, aged 24, pressured an acquaintance, identified as "Victim A," for a ride to the Twin Cities. When she refused, Young reportedly displayed a handgun he carried in a black and white Adidas cross-body bag. After arriving at a gas station, Victim A managed to lock herself in the bathroom and called a friend for assistance, subsequently abandoning her vehicle to contact 911. Law enforcement officers found Young asleep in the car and took him into custody. A search of the vehicle uncovered the black and white Adidas bag containing a silver Taurus nine-millimeter handgun. Young's DNA was matched to that found on the weapon. Additionally, while in custody, Young was recorded attempting to impede Victim A’s involvement in the case through jail calls.
Young has a history of felony convictions, including domestic assault, aggravated robbery, burglary, and fourth-degree assault. Due to these convictions, federal law bars him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The conviction came after a three-day trial presided over by Judge Eric C. Tostrud in the U.S. District Court. The jury found Young guilty on a single count of illegal firearm possession.
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan B. Gilead and David B. Green.