U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Grand Forks, ND, Man for a Felon Illegally in Possession of a Firearm
Fargo - United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Aaron Kenneth Smith, age 30, Grand Forks, ND, for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Smith had an active arrest warrant and was being stopped for a city ordinance violation, when he allegedly resisted arrest, fought with a Grand Forks Police Officer and attempted to retrieve something from his own front pants pocket. Grand Forks Officers were able to subdue Smith and discovered a handgun and two loaded magazines in the pocket Smith’s front pants pocket. Smith has several prior felony/domestic violence convictions in North Dakota and Minnesota, legally precluding him from possessing a firearm.
"The defendant’s prior convictions for violent offenses in North Dakota and Minnesota elevate this to a priority matter as we continue our anti-violence efforts," said US Attorney Drew Wrigley, "thankfully the bravery and professionalism of these officers carried the day."
Grand Jury Indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and Grand Forks Police Department, and is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Richard Lee assigned to the case.
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