Neo-Nazi In MN Had Arsenal, Illegal Marijuana Operation: Feds

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A neo-Nazi from Minnesota was convicted in federal court Friday of stockpiling weapons and running an illegal drug operation.

Andrew David Munsinger, 41, of Redwood Falls, was found guilty by a federal jury of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon, and of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

Munsinger was a member of the Aryan Freedom Network, a white supremacist and neo-Nazi organization, according to federal prosecutors.

"The safety and security of Minnesotans is of the upmost importance to my office. We will ensure Munsinger—and all others who bring violence and drugs to Minnesota—sees federal justice," said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

"We are grateful to the FBI for their work on this investigation."

"A convicted felon with a cache of firearms, ammunition, and drugs is a clear threat to public safety," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.

"The FBI and our partners will not tolerate individuals who break the law and promote extremist views that incite violence. Together, we will continue to disrupt violent extremists and prevent convicted felons from arming themselves and endangering others."

Munsinger was the target of a year-long FBI investigation, during which agents recorded him on video handling and firing guns, buying ammunition, and admitting he wasn’t allowed to own firearms, authorities said.

On Feb. 7, FBI agents executed search warrants at Munsinger’s home in Redwood Falls and his two vehicles, and a farm near Lake Lilliam.

Law enforcement seized a total of five firearms, including two personally made semi-automatic rifles, two shotguns, and a nine-millimeter pistol, hundreds of rounds and casings of ammunition, multiple high-capacity magazines and other firearm accessories, and a tactical bullet-resistant vest.

They also discovered over five pounds of marijuana in heat-sealed packages, a marijuana grow operation, and $24,300 cash in $100-bill denominations.

Because Munsinger has prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition.

After a five-day jury trial before Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court, Munsinger was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Raphael B. Coburn tried the case.