News and Press Releases
Big Lake man indicted for possessing two nine-millimeter pistols
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 31-year-old felon was indicted for
allegedly possessing two nine-millimeter pistols. Bryan Wallace Burford, of Big Lake, was
charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that on August 18, 2011, Burford possessed the two pistols. On that
date, he was arrested by the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”) on outstanding state
fugitive warrants at a Brooklyn Park motel. A loaded pistol was found in his waistband. Then,
during the execution of a search warrant of the hotel room, authorities found the second gun.
Because he is a felon, Burford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms at
any time. His prior convictions include possession of a short-barreled gun (2002), felony theft
(2006), third-degree possession of a controlled substance (2003 and 2007), and fifth-degree
possession of a controlled substance (2005).
If convicted in the current federal case, Burford faces a potential maximum penalty of ten
years in prison. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, and the USMS. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney
Jeffrey S. Paulsen.
Note, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), an initiative launched by the
U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi-jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to
reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and
crime prevention partnerships that work to make our communities safer.
An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.
