Native Mob Gang Member Sentenced to 270 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 25, to 270 months in prison. Following a two-day bench trial, MAURSTAD was convicted on October 25, 2019, on six counts of drug trafficking and firearms violations. MAURSTAD was sentenced yesterday before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota
"The defendant is a dangerous Native Mob gang member with a penchant for violence. He has a long history of drug trafficking, violence, and during the course of the investigation, he tried to intimidate witnesses," said United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald. "With this sentence, the court has recognized the danger he imposes to communities and has sentenced him accordingly."
As proven at trial, on August 4, 2016, MAURSTAD was pulled over in Morrison County for a traffic violation. During a search of his vehicle, law enforcement found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, a pound of methamphetamine and digital scales in the hood of the vehicle. On January 29, 2018, law enforcement pulled over a black Chrysler 300 for speeding. MAURSTAD, who was driving the vehicle, was unable to produce a driver’s license. After a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found methamphetamine hidden inside the paneling of the vehicle. On February 13, 2018, federal law enforcement searched a storage unit rented by MAURSTAD. Law enforcement recovered a large quantity of ammunition and firearm accessories and Native Mob paraphernalia.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime. This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley M. Endicott prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
TEVIN JAY MAURSTAD, 25
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, 1 Count
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, 2 Counts
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, 1 Count
Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 1 Count
Felon in Possession of Ammunition, 1 Count
Sentenced:
270 months in prison
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