The Minnesota Court of Appeals has confirmed the conviction of 34‑year‑old Rochester resident Kacey Kamara for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The ruling, issued on October 4, 2026, upholds the five‑year prison sentence imposed after a 2023 trial in Olmsted County.
Background of the case
Kamara was originally convicted on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm after a June 2022 incident in the Kutzky Park neighborhood. The incident involved an exchange of gunfire between Kamara and another individual in the 1000 block of West Center Street. Rochester police responded to multiple reports of gunfire, recovered eleven 9 mm shell casings from a residence’s front yard, and used security‑camera footage and mobile‑device video to piece together the events.
During the trial, a judge acquitted Kamara of more serious felony counts, including assault with a dangerous weapon, drive‑by shooting, and witness tampering. The conviction rested on the allegation that Kamara “constructively possessed” a semi‑automatic rifle and ammunition found in his fiancée’s apartment, where he frequently stayed.
Appeal and appellate review
Kamara appealed, arguing that the circumstantial evidence was insufficient to prove possession beyond a reasonable doubt. The Minnesota Supreme Court directed the appellate court to re‑examine the evidence, specifically whether the possession charge met the legal standard.
After reviewing the record, the Appeals Court concluded that the evidence was indeed strong enough to support the conviction. The court noted the presence of the firearm and ammunition in a location under Kamara’s control, the corroborating video evidence, and the testimony of law‑enforcement officers who responded to the scene.
Implications for public safety
Local leaders and law‑enforcement officials have praised the decision as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and a deterrent against illegal firearm possession. “Upholding this conviction sends a clear message that those who bring semi‑automatic rifles into our neighborhoods will be held accountable,” said a spokesperson for the Rochester Police Department.
The ruling also underscores the importance of thorough investigative work, including the use of modern video technology, in securing convictions that protect families and neighborhoods.
Related case pending
The court documents indicate that a second defendant, 38‑year‑old Larry Dion Jackson, remains charged with second‑degree assault and illegal possession of a firearm for allegedly firing a shot toward Kamara’s vehicle during the same incident. Jackson’s hearing is scheduled for later this month.
Community members have expressed relief that the appellate process affirmed the original judgment, viewing it as a step toward safer streets in Rochester’s Kutzky Park area.
What’s next
Kamara will serve his sentence while continuing to appeal any further legal questions. The case remains a focal point for discussions on firearm safety, responsible gun ownership, and the role of the courts in upholding public‑order statutes.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
