Man Charged with Felony Firearm Possession; Authorities Cite Possible Extradition in New York Homicide Case
Published: April 15, 2026.
ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA - A 49-year-old man with prior felony convictions is facing a felony firearm charge in Dakota County after police say he was found carrying a loaded revolver during a trespassing call at a Rosemount business. Authorities also indicate the man may be extradited to New York in connection with a homicide investigation.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court, Evaristo Melendez has been charged with possession of a firearm by an ineligible person (prior crime of violence), a felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000.
Incident Details
On April 14, 2026, officers with the Rosemount Police Department were dispatched to a local business for a report involving individuals suspected of stealing merchandise by throwing items over a fence. Employees requested that the individuals be trespassed from the property.
When officers made contact, one individual identified himself as “Kevin.” During that interaction, an officer observed what appeared to be a firearm in the individual’s waistband. Police removed the weapon and determined it was a loaded silver revolver containing .22 caliber rounds. A subsequent search of the individual led to the recovery of a glass pipe with burn marks, along with multiple Social Security cards and a debit card that did not belong to him, according to the complaint.
Using a mobile fingerprint scanner, officers later identified the individual as Melendez. Authorities also determined he had an active warrant for a parole violation out of New York. After being read his Miranda rights, Melendez declined to speak with officers but reportedly stated he had found the firearm in the back seat of a vehicle while looking for parts.
Prior Convictions
Court documents state that Melendez has prior felony convictions in New York, including:
Criminal sale of a controlled substance (3rd degree) in 2001
Criminal possession of a weapon (2nd degree, loaded firearm) in 2003
Those convictions make him legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Melendez is currently being held on $100,000 bail without conditions, or $80,000 with conditions.
Potential Extradition in Homicide Case
According to court documents, prosecutors say they have received communication from the New York Police Department’s Violent Felony Regional Task Force indicating that Melendez is expected to be extradited to New York in connection with a homicide investigation stemming from August 2025.
According to information from New York authorities, the case involves a fatal shooting on August 26, 2025, in the Bronx. Police responded to a report of a man shot in the back near East 176th Street and Anthony Avenue. The victim, later identified as 32-year-old Clay Monsanto, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators previously released images of a suspect and later identified that individual as Melendez. No arrests had been made in that case at the time the information was released.
Photo provided by the NYPD of Evaristo Melendez.
Ongoing Proceedings
Prosecutors cited both public safety concerns and the risk of nonappearance in requesting bail conditions, noting that Melendez initially provided a false name to officers. The Dakota County case remains active, and Melendez remains in custody at the Dakota County Jail. Extradition proceedings may follow depending on developments in the New York investigation. Limitless Media News has reached out to the NYPD for more information on that case and will provide an update if any when we learn more.
As with all criminal cases, the charge against Melendez is an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Photo provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written By: Will Wight
