Felon Indicted For Possessing A .45-caliber Handgun

MINNEAPOLIS—A federal indictment unsealed earlier this week charges a 31-year-old felon for possessing a .45-caliber handgun. The indictment, which was filed on March 19, 2013, charges Nathan Anderson, of Bloomington, with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment was unsealed following Anderson’s initial appearance in federal court on March 25, 2013.

The indictment alleges that on March 2, 2013, Anderson possessed the gun. Because he is a felon, Anderson is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. His prior Hennepin County convictions include theft (2001), terroristic threats (2001), third-degree burglary (2003), and second-degree assault (2005). Because these convictions constituted crimes of violence, Anderson is subject to the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. That act mandates a minimum of 15 years in prison for anyone subsequently convicted in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber M. Brennan.

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.