Man Arrested in Burnsville for Possible Drug Operation, Firearm Possession
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA – According to a criminal complaint from the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, agents with the Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force and officers from assisting agencies executed a search warrant and arrested 38-year-old Shawn Joseph Brown. Brown is currently facing multiple felonies, including first-degree drug sales and possession, as well as illegal firearm possession, after law enforcement uncovered a significant stash of controlled substances and firearms.
Search and Evidence Recovered
The Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, along with Burnsville Police, conducted the search warrant at an apartment on the 15000 block of Greenhaven Drive. Officers recovered the following during the operation:
Controlled Substances:
Six bags of suspected cocaine weighing 174.2 grams.
Eight bags of methamphetamine pills weighing 319.5 grams.
Additional cocaine and pills were found in a cloth bag, weighing 87.2 grams and 52.9 grams, respectively.
Firearms:
A Glock .357 caliber handgun with an extended magazine (found in the master bedroom).
A Kimber Custom II .45 caliber handgun with a magazine.
A Glock 9mm handgun with a magazine.
Another Glock handgun (caliber unspecified).
The drugs later tested positive for the presence of cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, all Schedule II controlled substances. Agents also discovered $5,000 in cash in a safe in the master bedroom, which they believe to be drug proceeds. A child under the age of 18 was also present during the raid, which only added to the gravity of the situation.
Defendant's Statement
According to the criminal complaint, Brown allegedly admitted to selling cocaine and identified the pills as Adderall, though tests revealed they contained methamphetamine. He also claimed ownership of the Glock handgun found in the master bedroom but denied any connection to the other firearms located in the residence.
Charges Filed
Brown has been charged with three felony counts:
Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree (Sale): Involving more than 100 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine.
Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree (Possession): Possession of over 100 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine.
Possession of a Firearm by an Ineligible Person: Due to prior felony convictions, Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Each of the drug charges carries a maximum sentence of 40 years and fines up to $1,000,000, while the firearm charge could result in up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
The court set bail at $100,000 without conditions or $80,000 with conditions. Brown is currently being held in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Prosecutors argued for strict bail conditions, citing public safety concerns due to the substantial quantity of drugs, the presence of firearms, and Brown’s criminal history. His next court date is set for March 6, 2025, in Hastings, Minnesota.
Criminal Background
Brown has previous felony drug convictions from 2016 and 2021. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 152, these convictions classify him as an ineligible person for firearm possession. Officials noted that Brown was on supervised release at the time of his arrest, further compounding his legal troubles.
As with all cases, charges are allegations, and Brown remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Updates will be provided as the case progresses.
Written by: Will Wight
Cover Photo Credit: Cover Photo by Max Fleischmann on Unsplash
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