MINNEAPOLIS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Minnesota), published as received.

MINNEAPOLIS – Otis Burks of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, has been indicted for multiple drug trafficking and firearms offenses, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

According to court documents, on March 12, 2025, Otis Dair Burks, 43, was found in possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base, and a Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Because Burks has prior felony convictions, including for aggravated robbery and kidnapping, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

“Narcotics poison our communities and firearms continue to plague our streets with unfortunate—often deadly—consequences for all involved,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “Burks has a history of violent crime, and we are thankful for our law enforcement partners for bringing him to justice. Minnesota is safer with Burks off the streets.”  

“Today’s indictment is the first step toward removing a violent, drug trafficking criminal from our community,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “No good can come from a combination of fentanyl, cocaine and firearms. Too often, weapons are used to further drug trafficking which in turn, robs people of their money, and also potentially, their lives. We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners for their assistance in removing this threat from our Minnesota streets.”

The indictment charges Burks with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl, one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty on April 10, 2025.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.