Eagan Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Firearm Conviction; Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison
EAGAN, MINNESOTA - A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to five years in prison after a Dakota County jury found him guilty of illegally possessing a firearm as a prohibited person following a 2024 traffic stop in Eagan.
According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred on July 24, 2024, at approximately 5:20 p.m., when an officer on routine patrol observed a red SUV with expired registration tabs. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver was identified as 40-year-old Jerry Delaney Jr., of Minneapolis. Court documents state Delaney questioned the legitimacy of the stop, telling the officer he had a “constitutional right to drive” and did not have a contract with the city. He also indicated the vehicle’s insurance was in his sister’s name.
Authorities determined Delaney would be arrested for intent to evade motor vehicle tax. After initially refusing to exit the vehicle and remaining argumentative for approximately 30 minutes, he eventually complied and was taken into custody. During an inventory search prior to towing the vehicle, officers located a loaded Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun with a round in the chamber. The firearm was found inside a small bag on the driver’s side floorboard.
Investigators later confirmed Delaney was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction for a violent offense. Court records show he was previously convicted of second-degree assault in 2010.
Jury Finds Defendant Guilty
Following a jury trial in Dakota County District Court, Delaney was found guilty of possession of a firearm by an ineligible person on March 5, 2026.
In addition to the guilty verdict, jurors also determined that Delaney had a prior conviction involving the use or possession of a firearm, a finding that carries additional sentencing implications.
Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison
On April 27, 2026, a judge sentenced Delaney to 60 months (five years) in prison and ordered him to report to the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud.
According to the sentencing order, Delaney received 132 days of credit for time already served. Under Minnesota law, he is expected to serve approximately two-thirds of the sentence in custody, with the remainder on supervised release.
The court also ordered Delaney to provide a DNA sample and pay $90 in fines and fees.
Case Overview
Defendant: Jerry Delaney Jr., 40, of Minneapolis
Charge: Possession of a Firearm by an Ineligible Person (Prior Crime of Violence)
Incident Date: July 24, 2024
Location: Eagan, Minnesota
Verdict: Guilty (March 5, 2026)
Sentence: 60 months in prison (April 27, 2026)
Ongoing Legal Context
Under Minnesota law, individuals convicted of certain violent crimes are prohibited from possessing firearms. Violations of this law carry significant prison sentences, particularly when prior offenses involve the use of a firearm.
As with all criminal cases, a conviction reflects findings made in court based on evidence presented, and defendants have the right to appeal.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail
Written by: Will Wight
