Rochester — A 22-year-old man with prior convictions for violent and assault-related offenses was arraigned Friday after investigators say they found a loaded handgun and suspected illegal drugs during coordinated searches of his residence and vehicle in northwest Rochester.
Search warrants executed by regional task force
According to the criminal complaint, members of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team executed search warrants Tuesday at the suspect's northwest Rochester home, his vehicle and at locations linked to him. Authorities identified the suspect as Jamaul Lorenzo Earthman.
Officials say the searches produced a handgun with an extended loaded magazine and what investigators described as "no visible serial number."
"no visible serial number"
Other items listed in the complaint included suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms, ecstasy pills, and drug paraphernalia.
- Firearm: handgun with loaded extended magazine
- Drugs: 13.7 grams of suspected hallucinogenic mushrooms; two ecstasy pills; a white residue that field-tested positive for cocaine
- Paraphernalia: working digital scale with residue and numerous empty plastic baggies
Charges and prior convictions
Earthman was arraigned on charges that include possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of violence, fifth-degree drug possession and a gross misdemeanor count for possessing an open package of cannabis in a motor vehicle. Conditional bail was set at $25,000.
Court records show Earthman has prior convictions: a 2024 felony conviction for second-degree assault tied to an incident in which he was accused of pointing a handgun at a group of people, and a gross misdemeanor fourth-degree assault conviction for reportedly striking a police officer during a separate disturbance about three years ago. Because of the felony assault conviction, prosecutors say he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Local and regional implications
Prosecutors and law enforcement often cite the intersection of prior violent convictions and illegal firearm possession as a significant public safety concern for Olmsted County and neighboring jurisdictions. The seizure of suspected quantities of controlled substances and items commonly associated with distribution — including a digital scale and packaging materials — can elevate the case beyond simple possession charges and shape prosecutorial decisions about potential enhancements or additional counts.
| Item recovered | Detail |
|---|---|
| Handgun | Loaded, extended magazine, no visible serial number |
| Suspected mushrooms | 13.7 grams |
| Ecstasy | Two pills |
| Cocaine residue | White residue on scale field-tested positive |
The case will proceed through Olmsted County court. The evidence seized and Earthman's criminal history are likely to be central to pretrial detention and to how prosecutors pursue charges. For county officials and community members, such incidents renew focus on strategies to reduce firearm access by people with violent convictions and on efforts to interrupt local drug distribution networks.
Authorities did not immediately release additional comment about whether the firearm's origin is under investigation or whether ballistics testing has been requested. The criminal complaint remains the primary public summary of the allegations.
