A Rochester man, previously convicted of several felonies, has been found guilty by a federal jury for illegally owning a firearm, as stated in an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. Divaunte Kartrell Young, aged 24, was convicted following a revelation during his trial of threatening an associate while demanding transportation, according to court records.
Brandishing a handgun from a black and white Adidas cross-body bag, back in March 2023, Young compelled "Victim A" to drive him to the Twin Cities after their refusal. Fearful, Victim A took refuge inside a bathroom at a gas station they stopped at, subsequently abandoning her car to seek help. Found by responding officers, Young was discovered asleep in the abandoned vehicle. Found alongside him in the car, officers retrieved the Adidas bag containing a silver Taurus nine-millimeter handgun, which had Young's DNA matching the one found on the weapon, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Additionally, recorded jail calls evidenced Young's attempts to prevent Victim A from cooperating with the prosecution.
Restricted from owning firearms or ammunition due to a history of domestic assault, aggravated robbery, burglary, and fourth-degree assault convictions, the unlawful possession charge against Young was a direct violation of federal law. The three-day trial, which concluded before Judge Eric C. Tostrud, resulted in a guilty verdict on the single count of illegal firearm possession.
The collaborative efforts of the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led to the successful prosecution of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan B. Gilead and David B. Green were responsible for prosecuting the case, boasting of how their work ensures justice and public safety are maintained.
