News and Press Releases
Big Lake man pleads guilty to possessing two nine-millimeter pistols
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2012
MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a 31-year-old felon pleaded guilty to
possessing two nine-millimeter pistols. Bryan Wallace Burford, of Big Lake, pleaded guilty to
one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Burford, who was indicted on December
20, 2011, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge David S. Doty.
In his plea agreement, Burford admitted that on August 18, 2011, he possessed the two
pistols. On that date, he was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”) at a Brooklyn
Park motel on outstanding state fugitive warrants. A loaded pistol was found in his waistband.
Then, during the execution of a search warrant in the hotel room, authorities found the second
gun, along with an extended magazine holding 23 rounds of ammunition.
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 again in 2007), and fifthdegree
possession of a controlled substance (2005).
For his crime, Burford faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Judge
Doty will determine his sentence at a future hearing.
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. 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.
