A federal jury has convicted Divaunte Kartrell Young, a 24-year-old resident of Rochester, for possessing a firearm as a felon, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. The conviction followed a three-day trial overseen by Judge Eric C. Tostrud in U.S. District Court.
Court documents revealed that the incident occurred on March 18-19, 2023. Young reportedly pressured an acquaintance, referred to as “Victim A,” for a ride to the Twin Cities. When met with refusal, Young allegedly brandished a handgun from a black and white Adidas cross-body bag. Victim A managed to lock herself in a gas station bathroom to call a friend for assistance before ultimately abandoning her vehicle and reporting the situation to law enforcement.
Responding officers discovered Young asleep inside the abandoned car and arrested him. A subsequent search of the car revealed a silver Taurus 9mm handgun in the aforementioned bag, which was matched to Young's DNA. Additionally, recorded jail calls captured Young attempting to dissuade Victim A from participating in the judicial proceedings against him.
Due to multiple prior felony convictions—including domestic assault, aggravated robbery, burglary, and fourth-degree assault—federal law prohibits Young from owning firearms or ammunition.
The investigation leading to Young's conviction was carried out by the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan B. Gilead and David B. Green led the prosecution in this case.
