Otis Burks from Coon Rapids, Minnesota, faces an indictment on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick confirmed the charges.
On March 12, 2025, court documents report that Otis Dair Burks, 43, was found with fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and a Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic pistol. With past felony convictions for aggravated robbery and kidnapping, federal law prohibits Burks from possessing firearms or ammunition.
"Narcotics poison our communities and firearms continue to plague our streets with unfortunate—often deadly—consequences for all involved," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. "Burks has a history of violent crime, and we are thankful for our law enforcement partners for bringing him to justice. Minnesota is safer with Burks off the streets."
The Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge, Rafael Mattei, emphasized, "Today’s indictment is the first step toward removing a violent, drug trafficking criminal from our community. No good can come from a combination of fentanyl, cocaine and firearms. Too often, weapons are used to further drug trafficking which in turn, robs people of their money, and also potentially, their lives. We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners for their assistance in removing this threat from our Minnesota streets."
The charges against Burks include possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl, illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. His initial appearance is scheduled for April 10, 2025, in front of Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty at the U.S. District Court.
This case is backed by an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is handling the prosecution.
It is important to remember that an indictment is an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.