Farmington man charged after firearms, modified shotgun found in residence, complaint alleges
Provided by Dakota County Jai
Published: April 1st, 2026
DAKOTA COUNTY, MN: A Dakota County man is facing felony charges after deputies reportedly found multiple firearms, including a modified shotgun, inside a residence where he was living, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court.
According to the complaint, deputies with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched in March 2026 to a residence in the City of Empire on a report of an assault that had allegedly occurred. During the investigation, deputies learned that Jeremy Lee Christoph, 40, was living at the residence.
The complaint states that Christoph’s listed address is in Farmington and that he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction for first-degree drug sale in February 2012 in Washington County.
Deputies reported observing several firearms in plain view inside the residence. A search warrant was subsequently obtained to search the home for firearms in connection with Christoph’s prohibited status.
On March 30, 2026, deputies executed the warrant. According to the complaint, inside a bedroom associated with Christoph—where clothing, personal items, and mail bearing his name were located—deputies found a loaded, modified shotgun measuring approximately 23 inches in length underneath the top mattress. A shotgun shell was also located on a nightstand in the room.
The complaint further alleges that additional firearms and ammunition were found in other areas of the home.
Christoph denied knowledge of the modified shotgun but stated it might have his DNA on it because he may have handled or moved it at some point, according to the complaint. The complaint also states that Christoph and other individuals in the residence acknowledged he had handled firearms despite knowing he was prohibited from doing so.
Deputies also reported locating a small baggie containing a tan powder substance, as well as a white powdery substance in the shape of a line on a shelf in the bedroom, according to the complaint.
Christoph is charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun and possession of a firearm or ammunition by an ineligible person (prior felony conviction).
The charges referenced in this article are allegations based on a criminal complaint. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.