Maple Grove Man Faces 30-Year Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentence

MAPLE GROVE, MN — A federal jury voted to convict a Maple Grove man of trafficking fentanyl pills, possessing a machinegun, and other federal firearms violations, United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced Tuesday.

The verdict came after a two-day trial for 34-year-old Derrick M. Scott.

A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. However, under federal guidelines, Scott faces a 30-year mandatory minimum prison sentence.

"Mr. Scott has a long and violent criminal history, including possessing a machine gun, domestic assaults, and fentanyl dealing," Luger said in a news release.

"When Mr. Scott was arrested on federal charges, he told law enforcement that when he gets released from prison, he will ‘still be the king and he will get another switch,’ but Mr. Scott’s bravado was badly misplaced, as he is now subject to a mandatory 30-year prison sentence."

Minneapolis police said they received a complaint that on June 4, 2022, Scott — while armed with a firearm — threatened a man at a convenience store.

Two days later, Scott was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over during a traffic stop, according to police

In the car, officers found 355 fentanyl pills, a Glock 41, .45 caliber pistol equipped with an auto-sear, and a high-capacity magazine, according to authorities.

"Derrick Scott’s bad acts caused significant harm in our communities. His disregard for human life required swift and significant consequences. I am thankful for all our law enforcement partners who aided in this investigation," said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.