Golden Valley Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Two Semi-Automatic Handguns

A 39-year-old felon from Golden Valley pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to possessing a semi-automatic pistol.

Lashawn Kenyatta Nicks pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Being a convicted felon, Nicks was prohibited from possessing firearms at any time.  His prior felonies include convictions in Hennepin County for attempted aggravated robbery in 1994 and second-degree assault in 1999.

Guns were seized by police during the execution of a search warrant at Nicks’ apartment in 2009.  The search was a result of a tip that lead to an investigation conducted by the and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Justice Department credits Project Safe Neighborhoods for the cooperative effort.  PSN is an initiative launched in 2001 to promote a multi-jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America.

Nicks faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison.  his sentence will be determined at a future hearing.  The date has not been set.