Traffic Stop Leads to 5-Year Sentence for Rochester Man

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man with a violent past is headed to prison for his latest conviction.

Olmsted County court records indicate 32-year-old Keith Marcus West Jr. was caught in possession of a handgun during a traffic stop in Rochester last August. The criminal complaint against West says he was pulled over because the vehicle he was driving did not have license plates.

TJ Leverentz/TSM Rochester-Preston

Cannabis Spotted in Vehicle Led to Search

The court document says the arresting officer spotted an open package of cannabis in the vehicle and learned that West had a canceled driver’s license. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a handgun in the center console.

Keith West criminal complaint-Olmsted County court

Prohibited From Having Gun Due to Previous Convictions

West was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, gross misdemeanor driving after cancellation inimical to public safety, and a misdemeanor for possession of open cannabis in a motor vehicle. His criminal history includes a 2018 conviction in a robbery case and a second-degree assault conviction in 2016.

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Prison Sentence

West was sentenced today to 5 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was given credit for the 216 days he has already spent in jail.

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