Federal Jury Finds Bloods Gang Member Guilty of Drug Distribution and Firearms Violations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Prior Lake man guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

Following a three-day trial before Senior Judge Susan Richard Nelson, Nathan John Walz, 35, a member of the Minneapolis Bloods street gang, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

According to evidence presented at trial, on November 1, 2022, at approximately 7:50 a.m., officers with the Minneapolis Police Department were dispatched to the Lowry Hill neighborhood after receiving a report of a “slumper” in a car. Officers approached the car and identified the individual slumped over in the driver’s seat as Walz. Officers observed a handgun in plain view on the center console of the car and took Walz into custody. The handgun was a stolen Kimber, model Super Custom Carry, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Officers also recovered from the vehicle 28 grams of methamphetamine and a variety of other drugs, as well as a digital scale and plastic baggies.

Because Walz has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, and the Minneapolis Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Esther S. Mignanelli and Joseph S. Teirab tried the case.