A Robbinsdale man is now facing serious federal charges for allegedly violating firearms laws. U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger has announced an indictment accusing Ronnie Bila Shaka, 42, of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, including machine guns. According to court documents, on or about November 2, 2023, Shaka was found to be in possession of various firearms, some with devices that converted them into fully automatic weapons.

The indictment details that Shaka had three 9mm pistols and two equipped with "switches" or "auto sears," that allowed them to unlawfully fire multiple rounds with a solitary trigger pull. Shaka, who has a criminal history with felony convictions in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, is barred from owning or handling guns and ammunition under federal law. His criminal record brings upon him additional charges normally not levied on first-time firearms offenders.

Federal guidelines dictate individuals with prior felony convictions like Shaka are not permitted possession of firearms. Shaka, following these laws, is charged with one count of firearms possession as a felon, one count of unlawful possession of machine guns, and one count of ammunition possession as a felon. He made an appearance before Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko in U.S. District Court, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office release.

This case emerged from collective efforts of local and federal law enforcement, including the Robbinsdale Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside input from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Crystal Police Department. The responsibility to effectively prosecute the case falls on Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth S. Shnider. It is significant to note, however, that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Shaka holds the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a legal trial.