Felon pleads guilty to possessing firearm

Federal prosecutors say a Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to a charge of illegally possessing a firearm.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 42-year-old William Saarela Sr. entered a guilty plea Thursday to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.

Prosecutors say Saarela stole a 9 mm pistol on June 23, 2021.

A few months later, on Sept. 2, prosecutors say Saarela Sr. directed his son, a minor, to bring him a pistol during a domestic dispute with two other people and then fired multiple shots.

No one was injured by the gunshots.

Later that month, Saarela’s home was searched and the pistol was found to be loaded, prosecutors say. They add that he isn’t allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition at any time due to his previous criminal history.

A sentencing date hasn’t been set as of this time.