Minneapolis Man Charged With First-Degree Drug Sale, Illegal Firearm Possession Following Sheriff's Office Search
Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
Published: October 14th 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS MN - A 47-year-old man with prior felony convictions, including murder, is facing two felony charges after Hennepin County Sheriff's Office deputies allegedly discovered more than 600 grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm during a search of a north Minneapolis residence.
Rhamal Antonio Powell has been charged in Hennepin County District Court with first-degree sale of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a crime of violence.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies executed a search warrant on October 13, 2026, at a residence in the 2600 block of Newton Avenue North as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation involving Powell.
Investigators allege Powell ran toward the rear of the residence after deputies announced their presence. He was subsequently taken into custody near the basement stairs.
During the search, deputies reportedly recovered a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun near the basement stairs, along with ammunition and suspected narcotics in the living room.
According to the complaint, investigators discovered approximately 613.82 grams of suspected cocaine, which field-tested positive for cocaine, along with another approximately 60.24 grams of suspected cocaine packaged for sale.
Deputies also reportedly located materials believed to be used in preparing crack cocaine, measuring equipment, prescription bottles bearing Powell's name, electronic home monitoring equipment and $3,844 in cash.
Other occupants of the residence told investigators that Powell lived and slept in the living room and that the items located there belonged to him, according to the complaint.
Court documents indicate Powell has previous felony convictions, including a 2004 murder conviction and a narcotics conviction in Illinois, along with a 2008 first-degree burglary conviction and a 2007 controlled substance conviction.
The complaint also states Powell was under court-ordered conditions in three other pending Hennepin County felony cases involving fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and two separate first-degree drug possession allegations.
Prosecutors have requested increased bail, citing the seriousness of the new charges, allegations of continued criminal activity and public safety concerns.
The first-degree drug sale charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine under the cited statute, while the firearm possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and a $30,000 fine. Applicable sentencing provisions may affect the penalties.
All charges are allegations, and Powell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.